SECOND ANGLO BOER WAR 1899-1902
PRIVATE Bert Passmore (1881-1901)
He was born at Minehead in 1881 and was the son of William Rawle Passmore (1853-1912) and Elizabeth Passmore nee Graddon (1849-1914). He was baptised at St Michael's Church, Minehead, on the 5th of June 1881. His father worked as a Stone Mason.
Bert served in the Army as Private 6889 of D Company, 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry (Prince Albert's). He deployed with his Battalion to South Africa in the Second Anglo Boer War, sailing from England aboard the 'HMT Briton' on the 5th of December 1899, and arriving at the Cape on the 20th of December 1899. The Battalion were sent around to Durban on the 'SS Orcana' and joined the 10th Brigade under Major General Talbot Coke. Between 20th and 24th of January 1900 they were at Venter's Spruit and Spion Kop, and on the 21st of February 1900 they had their first heavy fighting among the hills north of Colenso, with 14 killed and 81 wounded. After the relief of Ladysmith the Battalion joined Major General Hart's brigade and were sent to the Cape where they provided garrison troops for Vryburg and Heidelberg. They spent much of their time in pursuit of the Boer commander De Wet in Aug-Sept 1900. |
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It was reported that Private Bert Passmore was killed in an armoured train at Orange River Station, Nr Hopetown, Cape Colony, on the 13th of March 1901. He was buried at the West End Cemetery, Kimberley, Frances Baard District Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa .
He is commemorated on the Somerset Regiment's Boer War Memorial located at Wells Cathedral, Wells, Somerset, and also on a brass memorial plaque at St Michael's Church in Minehead. |
WW1 1914-1918
PRIVATE Frank Nicholas E. Atwood (1874 -1916)
He was born at Dunster in 1874 and was the son of George Atwood (1827-1913) and his wife: Isabella. His father had been a Mariner before becoming a Farmer, and the family home was at Woodcombe Farmhouse, Woodcombe, Minehead.
During WW1 Frank enlisted at Chippenham, Wiltshire, becoming Private 306674 in the 1st/8th Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. They were deployed from Southampton to France on the 22nd of March 1915, arriving at Le Havre on the morning of the 23rd of March 1915 and, subsequently, moved to the trenches on the Western Front. Private Atwood was reported as 'Missing in Action' (presumed dead) on the 27th of August 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. He was aged 40 years and his body was never identified/recovered. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France (Pier and Face 9 A, 9 B and 10 B), and also on Minehead's War Memorial. |
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PRIVATE Charles Sainsbury Bagley (1889-1917)
He was born in Minehead in 1889 and baptised on the 3rd of November 1889. Charles was the son of Captain Benjamin Wade Bagley (1845-1910) and Jane Bagley nee May (1853-1917). He had eight siblings:
After retiring from the sea in 1886 Captain Benjamin Wade Bagley and his family moved from Shoreham by Sea, Sussex to 4 Park Street, Minehead, where Capt. Bagley then became a Hairdresser, Tobacconist, and Shopkeeper. The family later resided at Selbourne Place, Minehead. By 1911 Charles had left the family home and had followed in his father's footsteps as a Hairdresser. Initially working in the town of Watford, Hertfordshire, he later relocated to Lancaster, and on the 3rd of July 1915, at Lancaster, married Celia Rogers (1887-1951). In WW1 Charles enlisted at Lancaster to become Private 242436 in the 1st/5th Battalion of the King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment). The Battalion were deployed to France, arriving at Le Havre on the 15th of February 1915, and were subsequently moved to the trenches of the Western Front. Meanwhile, back in England, his wife moved to 9 Pembroke Road, Southville, Bristol, to be closer to Charles' family in Somerset. |
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Tragedy came on the 28th of September 1917, when Charles was wounded whilst in action at the Village of Wieltje, during the 3rd Battle of Ypres. He was aged 28 Years and 'died of wounds' the following day (29th September 1917).
At the request of his family Charles' body was repatriated to England and he was buried at Minehead Cemetery on the 1st of November 1917. His Widow; Celia later moved to 81 Castlemain Avenue, Bournemouth. |
PRIVATE Eric Baker (1896-1918)
He was born at Minehead in 1896, baptised on the 5th of July 1896, and was the son of John Baker (1866-1938) and Emma Baker nee Mills (1871-1925) of 23 Bampton Street, Minehead. Eric had seven siblings:
Eric's father had numerous employment positions and had been a Gas Worker, a Labourer at a Stone Quarry, and a Farm Labourer. However, at the age of 49, on the 13th of April 1915, he enlisted into the Army and served firstly as Private 20430 in the No.3 Supernumerary Company, 5th Battalion, Somerset light Infantry, and later as 29552 Private of the Royal Defence Corps. He was medically discharged as "no longer fit for war service" on the 13th of June 1918, having been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and heart issues. Eric's elder brother; George, enlisted into the Army in October 1915 but was medically discharged in August 1916 as "no longer fit for war service" due to suffering from muscle atrophy (A muscle wasting condition often caused by a poor diet and malnutrition). As for Eric himself, from the age of 14 he had worked as a News Boy and would have sold newspapers as a street vendor. During WW1 he enlisted at Minehead into the 14th Battalion of the Machine Gun Corps (attached to the Somerset Light Infantry) and served as Private 142111. He was reported as 'missing in action' at East Flanders (Oost-Vlaanderen), Belgium, and it was discovered that he had been captured and taken as a Prisoner of War. |
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He died in captivity on the 27th of June 1918, aged 22 years. He would initially have been buried at a POW Camp cemetery (which one is unknown). However, in 1922-23 it was decided that the graves of Commonwealth servicemen who had died all over Germany should be brought together into four permanent cemeteries. Berlin South-Western was one of those chosen and in 1924-25, graves were brought into the cemetery from 146 burial grounds in eastern Germany. Eric's final resting place is at Plot III.A.2. of the Berlin South Western Military Cemetery (Südwestfriedhof der Berliner Synode Military), Stahnsdorf, Landkreis Potsdam-Mittelmark, Brandenburg, Germany.
He is commemorated on his parent's grave at Minehead Cemetery, which reads: "Also of Eric Baker M.G.C. Som. L.I. Prisoner of War in Germany. Died June 27th 1918. Aged 22. Rest in Peace." |
MERCANTILE MARINE Henry "Harry" Baker (1899-1918)
He was born at Minehead in 1899 and baptised on the 25th of August 1899. He was the son of Harry & Henrietta Baker of 14 Holloway Street, Minehead. His father was a Tanner Labourer employed at Minehead's Tannery (The Tannery once stood where the Co-Op car park in Summerland Avenue is today).
Harry was a Seaman aboard the SV Chrysolite, a three-masted schooner owned by The Anglo-French Coasting Co. Ltd. The ship had left Swansea Docks in Wales on the 3rd of August 1918, bound for Treguier in Brittany, France, with a cargo of coal. On the 6th of August, at Bideford Bay in the Bristol Channel, the ship was in collision with the SS Gerent (a merchant steam ship en-route from Penarth, Wales, to Cherbourg, France, also with a cargo of coal). The Chrysolite was hit and cut through by the stem (or bow) of the Gerent, causing the Chrysolite to "founder with all hands". 18-year-old Harry was drowned and his body was 'lost at sea'. Three other Seaman from the Minehead area were also aboard the Chrysolite, and suffered the same fate: Clement William Hunt of Minehead (1901-1918), Jack Martin of Minehead (1900-1918), and John Wilkinson Redd of Watchet (1863-1918). All four men are commemorated on the Minehead Harbour War Memorial. There were a number of hearsay reports made at the time that the 'Chrysolite' had been torpedoed by a German U-Boat. However, these rumours were proved to be false. This was evidenced by an Admiralty court case between the owners of Chrysolite and of the Gerent, that was heard in 1919. |
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SAPPER Frederick Charles Bale (1893-1917)
He was born at Dulverton, Somerset, in 1893 and was the son of Frederick Bale (1865-1936) and Elizabeth Bale nee Pike (1864-1956). His two siblings were: Arthur Henry Bale (1888–1975), and Florence Beatrice Bale (1899–1987). Frederick's father was a Stonemason and Bricklayer, and the family home was at 'Lamb Back', Dulverton (So called for being a group of small cottages located at the rear of the Lamb Inn). The census records of 1911 show 17-year-old Frederick was employed at Dulverton as an apprentice Horse Harness Maker. The family would later to relocate to living at 8 Quirke Street, Minehead, and in 1916, at Minehead, Frederick married Ruby Rees (1892-1950).
In WW1 he enlisted into the Army at Walsall, Staffordshire, to become Sapper 134443 in the 106th Field Company of the Royal Engineers, and was subsequently deployed to France and Flanders. He was killed in action near Ypres, Belgium, on the 17th of February 1917 when the 106th Field Company R.E. undertook a daylight raid on the German trenches. An entry from a War Diary tells of the raid: "At 12.20pm with Bayonets fixed the British attacked, taking explosives with them in order to blow-up the German dugout. However, the 6th Bavarian Regiment had seen the British come 'over the top' and were waiting for them. Desperate fighting ensued, and although the raid was not a complete success, three German prisoners were taken." Frederick's body was never identified/recovered, and he is commemorated on Panel 1 of the Ploegsteert Memorial to the missing, at Ploegsteert, Arrondissement de Mouscron, Hainaut, Belgium. His Widow; Ruby, continued to reside at Minehead, and in the 1939 census was living at 16 Middle Street. She died at the Minehead and West Somerset Hospital, Minehead, on the 20th of February 1950. |
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SAPPER John Slade Barrett (1884-1917)
He was born at St Georges, Westminster, London in 1884 and baptised at All Saints Church, Ennismore Gardens, Knightsbridge, London, on the 25th of December 1884, he was (supposedly) the son of Henry William Barrett (1851–1928) and Maria Jane Slade (1851–1939). His (alleged) father had been a soldier and later became a bricklayer. John had five siblings:
At the commencement of WW1 John was residing at Selworthy and was employed as a Carpenter and Builder. He enlisted into the Somerset Light Infantry as Private 3505. He later transferred to become Sapper 508628 in the 505th Field Company of the Royal Engineers. |
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He was killed in action in Northern France on the 1st of August 1917, aged 33 years, near to the village of Erquinghem-Lys, Hauts-de-France. His body was never identified/recovered and he is commemorated on Panel 1 of the Ploegsteert Memorial in Belgium.
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TROOPER Percy ' Perc' Hamblin Beckett (1889-1915)
He was born in Minehead in 1889 and was baptised on the 23rd of January 1889. He was the son of Henry 'Harry' Hamblin Beckett (1858–1910) and Sarah Beckett (previously Pearce) nee Perkins (1854-1923) of Cavendish House, Minehead. His father was an Accountant. Percy had two full siblings:
Prior to WW1 joined the territorial force of the West Somerset Yeomanry. He was also a keen player of the Minehead Football Club, but in 1913 he emigrated to Australia where he became at Auctioneer in the town of Mildura, Mildura Shire, Victoria. On the 7th of November 1914 he enlisted into the Australian Army at Mildura becoming Trooper 806 of the 8th Australian Light Horse Regiment. All Australian Light Horse cavalry units were armed with rifles, not swords or lances, and mounted exclusively on the Australian Waler horse. In May 1915 his regiment were sent to Gallipoli to re-enforce the Australian Infantry regiments already fighting there. Percy was killed in action on the 7th of August 1915 at the Battle of the Nek. "The Nek" was a narrow stretch of ridge on the Gallipoli Peninsula. It connected the Australian and New Zealand trenches on the ridge known as "Russell's Top" to the knoll called "Baby 700" on which the Ottoman defenders were entrenched. The official report of the battle said: "Early on the 7th of August 1915, two regiments of the Australian Light Horse Brigade mounted a bayonet attack on the Ottoman trenches on Baby 700. The first line of the 8th Light Horse Regiment, led by their CO; Lieutenant Colonel White, were shredded by machine-gun and rifle fire with a number of men being killed even before they got over the parapet. When the second line leapt up they also met with a hail of fire and in addition to this had to contend with shrapnel fired from two field guns bursting low over the ground. A total of 600 men took part in the assault, attacking in four waves; 372 were killed or wounded. Ottoman casualties were negligible." |
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Percy was 26 years old when he died. He was buried at Plot A. 11. of the Ari Burnu Cemetery, Gallipoli, Çanakkale, Turkey. The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: "Ever remembered by his loving mother at Minehead". His name is also commemorated on Panel 6 of the Australian War Memorial at Canberra, Australia, on the Mildura Workingmans Club War Memorial in Australia, where he was a member, and also on the Minehead War Memorial.
On his parents' grave, located at Minehead Cemetery, a memorial to Percy reads: At Rest In Anzac Cove Cemetery Our loved son "Perc" who laid down his life for King and Country at Gallipoli in the Great Charge with the 8th Australian Light Horse August 7th 1915 . Age 26 "Earth's last fight is fought" As a soldier he will stand before the Great White Throne. |
PRIVATE Edward Charles Blackmore (1897-1917)
He was born at home in Cherry Grove, Taunton, in 1897 and baptised at St Andrews Church, Taunton, on the 20th of May 1897. He was the son of Charles Blackmore (1864-1929) and Leah Blackmore nee Chidzey (1868-1936). His father was a Stonemason and Bricklayer. Edward's siblings were:
In WW1 he joined the North Somersetshire Yeomanry as Private 2327, later transferring to the 12th Service (Bristol) Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment as Private 39000. His Battalion were ordered to France on the 11th of November 1915 and landed at Boulogne on the 21st of November 1915. They were in action at Arras, The Somme, and at Ypres. Edward was killed in action on the 30th of October 1917 when the Germans shelled Sanctuary Wood on the Eastern outskirts of Ypres, during the Battle of Passchendaele. He was aged 20 years. His body was never identified/recovered and he is commemorated at the Tyne Cott Memorial , Belgium, (Panel 72 to 75). |
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PRIVATE Harold Fredrick Blackwell (1879-1918)
He was born in 1879 at Dulverton, Somerset, and was the son of Frederick John Blackwell (1856-1930) and Elizabeth Ann Blackwell nee Hidon (1853-1932) of 3, Gladstone Terrace, Alcombe, Minehead. His father was a Tailor. Harold had seven siblings:
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At some time in 1911 Harold and his family moved to 23 Craigdale Road, Romford, Essex, and Harold ran his own Tailor's shop in Romford.
When war came, he enlisted at Ilford, Essex, into the 2nd Battalion of the Essex Regiment as Private 401308. The regiment were deployed to France in August 1914 and spent the entirety of the War in France. Harold 'died of wounds' received in action on the 14th of August 1918. He was aged 39 years, and was buried at the Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France (Plot II. C. 13.) The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: "IN EVER LOVING MEMORY OF A DEAR HUSBAND & FATHER." |
MAJOR Jack Frederick Bligh MC (1893-1917)
He was born at Englefield, Berkshire, on the 19th of January 1893 and baptised at St Mark's Church, Englefield, on the 21st of February 1893. He was the son of The Honourable Lodovick Edward Bligh (1854-1924) and Marion Louisa Bligh nee Stewart-Savile (1853–1925). His 4 siblings were:
Jack was educated at Eton College between September 1906 and December 1910. In 1911 he joined the Army as a Gentleman Officer Cadet at the Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich, and gained his commission in the Royal Garrison Artillery as Second Lieutenant in 1912. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1913 and awarded the Military Cross on the 3rd of June 1916. In 1917 he was promoted to the rank of Major as Captain of "D" Battery, 121st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. "D" Battery were Trench Mortar Battery and were armed with 9.2-inch Siege Howitzers. Jack was killed at Elverdingh château, near Ypres, Belgium, on the 1st of July 1917 by a German shell that struck the officer's mess, which was in the château itself. |
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Jack was aged 24 years. He was buried at Ferme-Olivier Cemetery, Belgium, (Plot.3 Row G. Grave 19.)
The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: NOT LOST FROM MEMORY NOR FROM LOVE BUT GONE TO OUR FATHER'S HOME ABOVE. |
SECOND LIEUTENANT Frank D'Arcy Blofeld (1890-1915)
He was born on the 21st of April 1890 at 3 Upper Montague Street, St George, Bloomsbury, London, and was the only son of Francis 'Frank' John Blofeld (1859-1925) and Leslie Blanche Blofeld nee Perkins (1867-1957). His father was a colonial merchant, whilst his mother was the daughter of Major Thomas Perkins, R.H.A., H.A.C., of Doverhay Place, Porlock, Somerset.
In the 1901 census record Frank’s parent lived at Dunster Lodge, Alcombe, Minehead, with Frank’s 7-year-old sister; Daphne Leslie Blofeld (1894 - 1963), Frank was not with them – possibly away at boarding school. He was educated St. Michael's School (Mr. Hawtrey), Westgate-on-Sea, Kent, and then at Eton College (Mr. E. L. Churchill's House, 1903-8), where he won the Junior Pulling (Rowing) in his last year. He served three years with the Eton College Volunteers (Officer Cadet Corps), but ill health prevented his going on to Sandhurst Military Academy, and he spent several years in the Argentine, where he became interested in the breeding and schooling of polo ponies. When the 1911 census was taken, 20-year-old Frank was living at Coombe Cottage, Alcombe, Minehead. However, when war broke-out in 1914 he was residing at Staverton, near Cheltenham, and immediately enlisted at Staverton into the Gloucestershire Yeomanry. On the 9th of September 1914 he was gazetted to the 3rd Reserve Regiment of Cavalry, and took up his duties at Canterbury. He was posted to the Household Cavalry on the 24th of October 1914 and joined his Regiment, the 2nd Life Guards, at Windsor. On the 7th of November he went to Flanders, and served with his Regiment in the trenches, and just before Christmas he came home on seventy-two hours' leave. His second experience of the trenches was early in February 1915, after which he obtained a week's leave, but was recalled in four days, and from then until his death, near Ypres, on the 12th of May 1915, he was at the Front. He and four other officers were killed instantaneously by an explosive shell. It was said that Frank had won the liking of his brother officers, and the confidence of his men. He was fond of all sport, a finished horseman, and a most promising polo player. He was a member of the Cheltenham and West Somerset Polo Clubs. He hunted with the Devon and Somerset Staghounds and the West Somerset Fox Hounds since early boyhood, and during the time he was at Staverton, with the Cotswold Hunt. He was greatly beloved by all who knew him and was a fine example of how quickly a good sportsman can become a good soldier. His Colonel wrote: "As a horsemaster he was invaluable to me, and the fact that he had been chosen for the duty in which he met his death, proves that his Squadron leader relied on him." Frank D'Arcy Blofeld was aged 25 at the time of his death. He has no grave but is commemorated on Panel 3 of the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. His name is on Minehead's War Memorial, and there are also two brass memorial plaques in remembrance of Frank D'Arcy Blofeld. One is located at St George's Church at Dunster, whilst the second is at St Michael the Archangel Church at Alcombe, Minehead. |
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Also at St Michael the Archangel Church at Alcombe, there is a WW1 stained-glass memorial window that records his name, together with his regimental badge.
In 'The History of Dunster Church and Priory' ( v. 2 by Joan Jordan) in a section about the First World War Memorials, it says: "During the period of the First World War (1914-1918), on the fourth day of July 1915, another notice was posted on the ‘Principle Door of the Church’ in respect of a memorial brass to the memory of Lieutenant D’Arcy Frank Blofeld, a 2nd Lieutenant in the Second Life Guards, who died at Ypres, Flanders, on 12 May 1915, aged 26. The vestry had approved the erection of this memorial on 22 June 1915. The estimated cost was £18, defrayed by Mr Francis Blofeld of Dunster Lodge, Alcombe. Lt. Blofeld was born on 21 April 1890 and was the only son of Frank and Lesley Blofeld. A Mr Blofeld, presumably Frank Blofeld, was later a sidesman during the incumbency of the Rev. Reeder.” |
GUARDSMAN Frederick Boyles (1897-1918)
He was born in Minehead in 1897 and baptised on the 17th of September 1897. He was the son of William Boyles (1831–1919) and Elizabeth Boyles (previously Edbrooke) nee Hunt (1852–1932). His mother had previously been married to John Edbrooke (1824–1894), and married William Boyles in 1896. Frederick's father: William, had been married twice previously. Firstly, to Jane Spooner (1840-1873) and secondly to Anne Howe (1828–1894). Consequently, Frederick had a large number of half-siblings. His father had been a Soldier in the Royal Madras Fusiliers of the East India Company, and latterly had been employed as an Agricultural Labourer and Iron Miner.
During WW1 Frederick enlisted into the 2nd Battalion of the Coldstream Guards as Guardsman 22027, and was subsequently deployed to France. On the 27th of August 1918, at 7a.m, the 2nd Battalion, leading the 1st Guards Brigade, launched an attack on an important system of German trenches east of St Leger, near Arras. The enemy position was taken the same day, but the Battalion lost 10 Officers and 314 men. Frederick 'died of wounds' two days later on the 29th of August 1918 at the 43rd Casualty Clearing Station at Frevent. He was 21 years of age and was buried at the Ligny-sur-Canche British Cemetery, Ligny-sur-Canche, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France (Plot A.40). |
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ABLE SEAMAN William Bruford (1878-1916)
He was born in Watchet, Somerset on the 22nd of March 1878 and baptised at St Decumans Church, Watchet, on the 22nd of December 1878. William was the son of Henry George Bruford (1845-?) and Jane Bruford nee Webber (1845-1906), and was the brother of Mary Bruford (b.1876). His father was a Sailor. In the census records of 1881 he was shown with his mother and sister, as living at the home of his aunt in Williton, Somerset, whilst his father was at sea. In 1890 he was shown on the crew list of the sailing boat 'Argo' as a Cook. In 1901 he was sailing as the Mate on the 'Argo', and in the 1911 census showed him serving as Mate on the vessel 'Thistle' of Plymouth, which was moored at Lyme Regis Harbour. In 1906, at Newton Abbot, Devon, he married Mary Elizabeth Pile (1879-?) of 5 Brookdale Terrace, Teignmouth, and the couple made their home at 13 Grove Avenue, Teignmouth, Devon. On the 7th of April 1914 they had a daughter: Gwendoline Mary Jeane Bruford (1914-1999).
When war came in 1914 William, as an experienced Sailor, joined the Royal Navy Reserve (Service Number: 5276DA) and was posted aboard the HM Naval Trawler 'Lord Roberts' at Harwich as a Deck Hand. The Trawler was armed with 13lb and 12lb deck guns. At the outbreak of the First World War many civilian steam fishing trawlers were put into military service (manned by their fisherman crews). They cleared mines from sea routes and attacked enemy submarines. HMT Lord Roberts was a Steam Trawler built by Earle's shipbuilding in 1907, during her long career of patrol work in Harwich area she went to the assistance of many mined ships and rescued a very large percentage of their crews. She was sunk on the 26th of October 1916 as a result of striking a mine laid by the German submarine UC11 and sank six miles off the Shipwash Light Vessel. There were only two survivors, nine people were lost, including William Bruford. He was aged 38 years, and his body was never recovered. William Bruford is commemorated on several memorials: Plymouth Naval Memorial (Panel 19), the Minehead War Memorial, the Watchet War Memorial, the Teignmouth War Memorial, the stained glass war memorial at St James' Church, Teignmouth, and the stained glass war memorial at St Michaels' Church, Minehead. |
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WESTERN TIMES - FRIDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 1916
"Mrs. M. E. Bruford, Grove Avenue, Teignmouth has, this week, received the sad news that her husband. Mr. William Bruford, a deck hand on the Trawler Section of the Royal Navy, engaged on patrol duty, had been killed. Deceased. who was in the Royal Naval Reserve, joined the Navy soon after the outbreak of war. He was 38 years of age, and native of Minehead. A widow and little girl have been left." In 1919 he was posthumously awarded the 1914 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal. |
SAPPER Walter Bryant (1886-1918)
He was born in Minehead in 1886 and baptised on the 4th of July 1886. Walter was the son of George Bryant (1852–1930) and Mary Ann Bryant nee Edbrooke (1852–1925) and had four siblings:
He is also commemorated on his Mother's grave at Minehead Cemetery, which reads: Sapper Walter Bryant. Younger son of the above. Killed in Action in France.May 28th 1918. |
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PRIVATE Reginald Burgess (1892-1916)
He was born at East Luccombe in 1892 and was the son of John William Burgess (1859-1933) and Mary Jane Burgess nee Clatworthy (1860-1950). Reginald's siblings were:
In 1915 Reginald enlisted in the 7th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry as Private 17562, and the Battalion were deployed to France in July 1915. He was wounded in the trenches on the Western Front and died of his wounds on the 20th of May 1916 whilst a patient at the 23rd General Hospital at Etaples Army Base Camp and was buried at the Etaples Military Cemetery, Étaples, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France (Plot V. D. 3A). |
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PRIVATE Fred Burnett (1891-1917)
He was born in Minehead in 1890 and baptised on the 12th of June 1891. Fred was the son of William Reed Burnett (1858-1947) and Sarah Jane Burnett nee Yendle (1862-1948). His father was a Mariner (Sailor on Merchant Sailing Ships), and Fred had five siblings:
On the 22nd of September 1915 he enlisted at Taunton into the 10th Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment and became Private 13434. His Battalion were first deployed to France but in November 1915 were moved to Salonika in Greece to fight the Bulgarian Forces. Fred was killed in action on the 10th of February 1917 at the Battle of Dorian, whilst involved in the attack upon the 33rd Svishtov and 34th Troyan Bulgarian Regiments. He was aged 28 years. His body was never recovered/identified, and he is commemorated at the Doiran Memorial at Kilkis, Central Macedonia, Greece, as well as on both the Minehead War Memorial, Minehead Harbour Memorial, and he is also memorialised on his parent's grave at Minehead Cemetery. In 1919 he was posthumously awarded the 1915 Star, The British War Medal, and the Victory Medal. His medals went to his parents, whose address in 1919 was "Glenleigh," Truham Road, Minehead, Somerset. |
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NOTE: Fred's parents, his brothers: William and Thomas, and sister: Charlotte Augusta Hawkins nee Burnett, all have their graves at Minehead Cemetery.
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PRIVATE Selwyn Bushen (1896-1918)
He was born in Minehead in 1896 and baptised on the 27th of November 1896. He was the son of John Bushen (1869–1935) and Elizabeth Bushen nee Crew (1876–1946), and he had two siblings:
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The Personal Inscription on his gravestone in Bulgaria reads: 'A LOVING SON, A BROTHER SO KIND, A BEAUTIFUL MEMORY LEFT BEHIND'.
In 1919 he was posthumously awarded the 1915 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. These were forwarded to his parents, whose address in 1919 was at 8 Glenmore Road, Minehead. NOTE: In addition to the Minehead War Memorial his name is also memorialised on his parents' grave at Minehead Cemetery. |
ORDINARY SEAMAN Harold Cane (1898-1917)
He was born in Minehead on the 10th of August 1898 and baptised on the 16th of September 1898. He was the son of Henry John Cane (1868-1923) and Mary Ann Cane nee Kirby (1871-1942) of 5, Church Steps, Highertown, Minehead. His parents had been married in Ireland. His father was English, and his mother was born in Ireland but was of English descent. His father was a Mason/Builder.
Harold had nine siblings:
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His brother; Henry John Cane (1893-1916) is also commemorated on the Minehead War Memorial, having been killed in action at the Somme, whilst serving with the Somerset Light Infantry. Another brother; James Cane (1896-1970) also has his grave at Minehead Cemetery.
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PRIVATE Henry John Cane (1893-1916)
He was born at Hadda, Cove of Cork, Ireland, in 1893. His parents had been married in Ireland. His father was English, and his mother was born in Ireland but was of English descent. He was the son of Henry John Cane (1868-1923) and Mary Ann Cane nee Kirby (1871-1942), and in the 1911 census the family home was listed as 5 Church Steps, Highertown, Minehead. His father was a Mason/Builder. Henry had nine siblings:
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His brother; Harold Cane (1898-1917) is also commemorated on the Minehead War Memorial, having served in the Royal Navy, and is buried at Minehead Cemetery. Another brother; James Cane (1896-1970) also has his grave at Minehead Cemetery.
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DRIVER Austin Jubilee Challis (1887-1918)
So named as his birth coincided with Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. He was born in the Essex Village of White Roothing and was the fifth child of James Challis (1853–1928) and Alice Challis nee Milbank (1858–1912), who had married at Roxwell parish church in Essex on the 19th May 1881. His father had been a Farm Bailiff, but at the time of Austin's birth had become an alcoholic (a common addiction at the time) and was unemployed.
Austin had ten siblings:
In 1901 the family were residing at a farm in the village of Buttsbury, Essex, where his father; James, was employed as a horseman and 14-year-old Austin was employed as a Stable Lad/Groom. By 1911 Austin had moved to Minehead, Somerset, and was employed by the influential Magor family of Northfield House, as a Groom at Northfield Stables. He lodged at 10 Station Terrace, Minehead. When war came, he enlisted at Minehead into the 15th Mountain Battery of the Royal Field Artillery as a Horse Driver, Service No. Dvr. 183762. He was initially stationed at Plymouth, Devon, before being deployed to the Mesopotamia campaign, where he fought against the Ottoman Turks. He died of wounds at the Amara Military Hospital on the 25th of May 1918, aged 31 years. The hospital was a large complex, with accommodation for medical units on both banks of the Tigris River. In total some seven general hospitals and some smaller units were stationed there. Austin was buried at the Amara War Cemetery, AL 'Amarah, Maysan, Iraq. Plot XIV.C.16. He left all his worldly goods to his fiancé; 24-year-old Dorothy Alice Crocker of 10 Station Terrace, Minehead. His estate was valued at £47 1s. 1d. Regretfully, since 2016, the Amara War Cemetery has been vandalised by Islamists and is in a very poor state of repair with most of the memorials now smashed. Austin is commemorated on the Moulsham War Memorial at St John the Evangelist Church in Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex. He is also commemorated on Minehead's War Memorial. |
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His brother Charles William Challis (1896-1950) also served during WW1. He enlisted at Chelmsford and went to Colchester Barracks, joining the Essex Yeomanry, and later served in Egypt.
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PRIVATE Reginald James Chamberlain (1898-1917)
He was born in 1898 at Minehead and baptised on the 6th of May 1898 and was the son of James Chamberlain (1870-1951) and Louisa Mary Chamberlain nee Sowden (1871-1948). His father was a General Labourer. Reginald had eight siblings:
He is commemorated on the Basra Memorial (Panel 21 and 63), and also on Minehead's War Memorial. |
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PRIVATE Edgar George Chapman (1893-1916)
He was born in Dunster, Somerset, on the 21st of January 1893 and was baptised on the 10th of March 1893. He was the son of George Chapman (1856-1933) and Mary Elizabeth Chapman nee Brown (1873-1894). His father was a General Labourer. Edgar had just one sibling: Rosa Mary Chapman (1891-1896).
In 1911 he was residing at West Withy Farm, Upton, Wiveliscombe, where he worked as a Cow Man for Farmer Herbert Pile. During WW1 Edgar enlisted as Private 126654 in the 87th Battalion of the Canadian (Quebec) Infantry, Canadian Grenadier Guards. A little-known fact is that up-to 60% of Soldiers from the Canadian Expeditionary Force were of British birth. There being no restrictions on joining, men from England would join the Canadian Army, rather than the British Army, due to the more attractive pay and conditions. His battalion were sent to France as part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and were deployed on the Western Front. Edgar 'died of wounds' on the 8th of September 1916 during the Somme offensive. He was buried at Reninghelst New Military Cemetery, Poperinge, Arrondissement Ieper, West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen), Belgium (Plot II. C. 7.) |
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CORPORAL William 'Willie' Chapman (1892-1915)
He was born in Minehead in 1892 and baptised on the 25th of March 1892. He was the son of Samuel Warre Chapman (1860–1943) and Charlotte Chapman nee Griffith (1855–1939). His father was a domestic gardener and the family resided in the Periton area of Minehead. William had two siblings:
During WW1 he joined the Army and served as 1816 Private (later promoted to Corporal) W. Chapman of the 1st/5th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. The 1st/5th Battalion were formed in Taunton during August 1914 and were part of South-Western Brigade, Wessex Division. They were deployed to India, sailing from Southampton on the 9th of October 1914, and arriving at Bombay on the 9th of November 1914. They were stationed at Jubblepore, before moving to the the Ambala Cantonment (Military Garrison) in early 1915. William died on the 2nd of May 1915, aged 23 years, at the Station Hospital within the Military Base at Ambala, Punjab, India. His cause of death was given as "died from disease", and it is known that many soldiers died from Malaria, Typhoid Fever or Beriberi. He was buried at the Ambala Cantonment Cemetery (Plot 33. Row A. Grave 2.). It is now known as 'The Ambala Christian Cemetery'. He is also commemorated on the Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial at Khadki, Maharashtra, India |
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PRIVATE Sidney Charles Chappell (1891-1916)
His name is missing from Minehead's War Memorial
He was born in Hoxton, in the borough of Islington and Shoreditch, London, in 1891 and baptised at St Mary's Church, Islington, on the 15th of February 1891. He was the son of Charles Chappell (1858–1932) and Mary Ann Chappell nee Hunt (1862–1897). Sidney had one sibling: Eva Gertrude Chappell (1887–1966). His Father was a native of Bradford-on-Tone, Somerset, who had moved to London by 1871. At the time of Sidney's birth he was a Licenced Victualler (Publican) of the Bricklayers Arms, 128 New North Road, Hoxton, Islington, London. The family lived in the residential accommodation above the Pub, and it was here that Sidney was born.
Sidney's mother died when he was only six-years-old, and by 1901 his widowed father; Charles Chappell had relocated to Weston-Super-Mare and owned a large house named Rose Villa. The census record shows he was living from 'his own means'. This sudden increase in living standards may have been connected to an inheritance following the death of Robert Chappell (1818-1887), a wealthy farmer and landowner of Taunton, and whom was Charles' father, and Sidney's paternal Grandfather. In 1911 Sidney was residing in the Bishopston area of Bristol and was employed as a Grocer's Assistant, but around 1912 he moved to Minehead and was employed by William Charles Rawle (1869-1956), a Grocer and Draper of 15 The Parade, Minehead. It was whilst at Minehead that Sidney met Miss Mildred Annie Langford (1890-1949), who later became his fiancé. |
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During WW1 Sidney enlisted into the Army at Exeter to become Private SP/2663 of the 24th Battalion (London Regiment) of the Royal Fusiliers. His Battalion were deployed to France and were landed at Le Havre in November 1915. He was killed in action during the Battle of the Somme, also known as the Somme offensive, on the 31st of July 1916, aged 25 years. His body was never recovered/identified and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France Pier and Face 8 C 9 A and 16 A. Oddly, his name is missing from the Minehead War Memorial.
Sidney left his effects to his friend and previous employer: William Charles Rawle (1869-1956). Whilst his Army pay and war gratuity was left to his fiancé; Miss Mildred Annie Langford (later wheeler) 1890-1949. |
PRIVATE Arthur John Coles (1895-1915)
Known as 'John Coles', he was born in Mark, Somerset, in 1895 and baptised on the 3rd of November 1895. He was the son Arthur Coles (1872-1943) and Eliza Coles nee Langford (1870-1942). His father was a 'Journeyman Blacksmith'. John had three siblings:
In 1914 he enlisted into the Army at Taunton to become Private 14724 in the 8th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. The Battalion were deployed to France, landing at Le Havre on the 10th of September 1915, before embarking on several lengthy marches before reaching the front line. He was killed in action, aged 20 years, on the 25th of September 1915 at Chalk Pit Wood, Loos, France. His body was never recovered/identified he is commemorated at the Loos Memorial (Panel 38 and 39) at Dud Corner Cemetery, Loos-en-Gohelle, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France. By 1915 his parents were residing at 5 Brook Terrace, Alcombe, Minehead. |
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PRIVATE Edward 'Teddy' Collins (1892-1916)
He was born in Oxford in 1892 and was the son of Edward Collins (Born at Bath in 1865) and Elizabeth Ann Reed Collins nee Wills (Born at Minehead in 1860). Edward's only sibling was Caroline Edith Mary Collins, later Challenger (1889-1969). His father was an Insurance Salesman and, due to the nature of his employment, the family were known to have resided at several different locations, including at Oxford, Taunton, and Cardiff.
It is presumed that both of his parents had either died or moved overseas by 1901. Records show them as residing in Cardiff in 1891 but they do not appear in any records after that date. However, the 1901 census records show both 'Teddy' and his sister residing with their Uncle and Aunt; John and Jane Bryant, at their home of 55 Quay Street, Minehead. Ten years later, at the time of the 1911 census, and they were still with the Bryant's at the same address. By this time 'Teddy' was employed as an apprentice Stonemason. With the commencement of WW1 'Teddy' enlisted into the Army at Minehead to become Private 20670 of the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. On the 22nd of August 1914 the Battalion was deployed to France, landing at Le Havre as part of the British Expeditionary Force, before being engaged in various actions on the Western front. 'Teddy' was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, on the 1st of July 1916, during the assault on Beaumont-Hamel. He was aged 24 years. He was buried at Redan Ridge Cemetery No.2 - Beaumont-Hamel, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France (PLOT C. 74.). |
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The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: 'Until we meet again' and according to Commonwealth Grave Commission records, this was chosen by Mrs C.M. Challenger of Hurley, Marlow, Bucks. (Teddy's sister: Caroline Edith Mary Collins, who had married Walter William Challenger in 1915).
Teddy's name appears on both the Minehead and Minehead Harbour War Memorials. |
LANCE CORPORAL Charles Patrick Cooksley (1896-1918)
He was born at Porlock, Somerset, in 1896 and was the son of William Cooksley (1862–1917) and Ellen Louisa Cooksley nee Keenan (1861–1940). He had seven siblings:
Before the war Charles and his brother; George, were employed as Errand Boys, and the family home was at Walnut Cottage, Higher Road, Alcombe, Minehead. In WW1 he enlisted into the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers as Private 25146, and was later promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. The Battalion were deployed to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force and saw their first engagement on the 26th of August 1914 at Le Cateau, which helped delay the German advance towards Paris. The Battalion next took part in the Battle of the Marne (5th–9th of September 1914) that finally halted the German advance just on the outskirts of Paris, forcing the Germans to retreat to the Aisne. There, the 2nd Dublins took part in the Battle of the Aisne and later took part in their last major engagement of the war, at the Battle of Messines, which began on the 12th of October 1914 and ended on the 2nd of November 1914. The 2nd Dublins took part in all but one of the subsidiary battles that took place between the 22nd of April 1915 – 24th May 1915. The Battalion suffered heavily at the Battle of St Julien, the second subsidiary battle, incurring hundreds of casualties. They had no respite, taking part in the next two subsidiary battles at Frezenberg and Bellewaarde. On the 24th of May 1915 the Battalion was subject to a German poison gas attack near Saint-Julien and were effectively disintegrated as a fighting unit. The British at that time had no defences against gas attack. |
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Charles died at the Wimereux Military Hospital in Northern France on the 24th of June 1918, from Bronchopneumonia - Almost certainly brought-about by the German's poison gas attacks. He was aged 21 years, and was buried at the Terlincthun British Cemetery at Wimille (Plot I. B. 22.). The personal inscription on his gravestone was chosen by his mother: 'FOR US HE POURED HIS LIFE AWAY. WITH THEE HE LIVES IN ENDLESS DAY. (R.I.P.)'
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CORPORAL George Cooksley (1890-1918)
He was born at Porlock, Somerset, in 1890 and was the son of William Cooksley (1862–1917) and Ellen Louisa Cooksley nee Keenan (1861–1940). He had seven siblings:
Before the war George and his brother; Charles, were employed as Errand Boys, and the family home was at Walnut Cottage, Higher Road, Alcombe, Minehead. In WW1 he enlisted in the 11th Battalion of the Australian Infantry as Private 1738, and later he was promoted to the rank of Corporal. There being no restrictions on joining, men from England would join the Australian Army rather than the British Army due to the more attractive pay and conditions. His Battalion were deployed to France in 1916 and were positioned along the Western Front throughout the war. George was killed in action on the 18th of September 1918, close to Ascension Farm near Jeancourt. He was aged 27 years, and was buried at the Jeancourt Communal Cemetery Extension (Plot II. A. 37). The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: 'GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS THAT HE LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS'. |
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ABLE SEAMAN Amos William Cornish (1887-1918)
He was born in Dunster, Somerset, on the 16th of August 1887 and was baptised at the Priory Church of St George in Dunster on the 6th of September 1887. Amos was the son of George Cornish (1849-1893) and Elizabeth Ann Cornish, later Burford, nee Payne (1865-1942). His father was a Bricklayer.
Amos had four full siblings:
His father had died in 1893 when Amos was just 6 years old, and his mother remarried in 1901 to farmworker Alfred Burford (1870–1927). Did Amos run away from home? as in 1901, aged 13, he was an inmate at the Home for Homeless little boys at Horton Kirby, near Farningham, Kent. He joined the Royal Navy, at age 15, on the 4th of June 1903, and was first sent to HMS Impregnable, moored in the Hamoaze at Plymouth. HMS Impregnable was an old sailing ship used as a training vessel for boys joining the Navy. Amos stayed with the Navy as Ordinary Seaman 226755(Dev). He was promoted to 'Able Seaman' and severed on a number of different ships. His last ship being the Devonshire-class armoured cruiser HMS Antrim. Throughout 1916 and 1917 the Antrim was deployed on convoy escort duties from North America and the West Indies. |
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Amos was taken ill aboard, and when the ship returned to Plymouth in December 1917 he was admitted to hospital at RNA Truro, in Cornwall. The Royal Naval Auxiliary Hospital was located in, what was once, the Truro Union workhouse at the top of Tregolls Road. The establishment had 150 beds and was run by volunteers and the Red Cross. Amos died at the Hospital on the 4th of February 1918 from double pneumonia. He was aged 30 years.
He was buried at Minehead Cemetery (Plot CE. 1281). |
GUNNER Francis Bedford 'Frank' Cornish (1894-1917)
He was born on the 29th of March 1894 at Holcombe Rogus, Devon, and was the son of John Cornish (1870–1905) and Elizabeth Ann Cornish nee Cutts (1861–1935). His only sibling was Ivy Edith Cornish (1902–1941). His father was a Gardener. However, from a young age Francis and his sister were raised by their aunt: Elizabeth Pavey nee Cornish (1868-1965), and her husband; Joseph Pavey (1865-1921), who resided at 'Higher Blakes', Halse, Somerset. Joseph was a Carter on a local farm.
On the 12th of September 1898 Francis started his education at the small school in Halse (Today converted into a private dwelling), and by 1911, aged 17, he was working as a Farm Labourer. In WW1 he enlisted into the Army and served as Gunner 130474 of B Battery, 107th Brigade, in the Royal Field Artillery. He 'died of wounds' on the 30th of July 1917, whist deployed in France. He was aged 23 years and was buried at Godewaersvelde British Cemetery, Godewaersvelde, Departement du Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France (Plot I. A. 25.). |
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PRIVATE Geoffrey Herbert Culverwell (1894-1916)
He was born at Minehead, Somerset, in 1894 and was the son of Ebenezer Culverwell (1863 -1914) and Beatrice Culverwell nee Cox (1864-1911). His Father was a Chemist and Shopkeeper who had been born in Chicago USA (British Subject). Geoffrey's father was also a Freemason of Exmoor Lodge No.2390, in Minehead. Geoffrey had two siblings:
On the 28th of August 1915 he enlisted into the Army as Private 1694 of the 1st/4th Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment. His battalion were deployed to Karachi, India, in November 1914,and then moved to Basra in Mesopotamia (Iraq) in March 1916, where they were engaged in various actions. Geoffery was taken as a prisoner by the Otterman Turks during an unsuccessful attempt to relieve the Siege of Kut. He died whilst a prisoner of war at Mosul on the 10th of June 1916, aged 21 years. His burial place is unknown but is thought to have been at the Mosul Military Cemetery. Regretfully the cemetery was destroyed by Islamists during the ISIS occupation of Mosul in 2016. He is commemorated on the Basra Memorial (Panel 11), which has also suffered from deliberate damage by Islamists in recent times. |
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LIEUTENANT Arthur Edward Devas (1877-1915)
He was born on the 24th of July 1877 at Devizes, Wiltshire, and baptised at St John the Baptist Church, Devizes, on the 21st of August 1877. He was the son of Revd. Arthur Charles Devas (1843- 1901) and Louisa Mary Devas nee Trevor (1849-1933). His father was the Rector of St Peter's Church in Devies and also the Chaplain at Devizes Prison.
Arthur had nine siblings:
Between 1891-94 he was educated at Haileybury and Imperial Service College, a boys' public school near Hertford, Hertfordshire. After his father's death in 1901 his widow, and the children still living at home, relocated to reside at Cleeve Cottage, Minehead, to be nearer to other relatives (Arthur's mother being a native of Bridgwater). Meanwhile Arthur had embarked upon a military career and from 1899-1902 served in the Second Anglo Boer War, where he was awarded the Queen's Medal with 5 clasps, and the Kings Medal with 2 clasps. On the 3rd of September 1902 he was Gazetted as 2nd Lieutenant of the Essex Regiment. On the 17th of January 1906 he was promoted, and Gazetted as Lieutenant of the Essex Regiment. |
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In 1911 Arthur was based at the Regimental Barracks at Warley, Brentwood, Essex, and in early 1914 was deployed to Mauritius with the 1st Battalion of the Essex Regiment. When war broke out the Battalion were immediately ordered back to England, arriving in December 1914. On the 18th of January 1915 they were sent to Banbury in Oxfordshire to undertake training in readiness for the Gallipoli Campaign. However, Arthur was taken ill and was admitted to the 3rd Southern General Hospital, Woodstock Road, Oxford, also known as Somerville College. He was found to be suffering from typhoid fever (almost certainly contracted whilst in Mauritius). He died, aged 37 years, on the 15th of February 1915 and was buried at Minehead Cemetery (Plot CE. 1598).
His sisters, Dorothy Louisa Devas (1876–1967) and Bertha Kathleen Devas (1878–1953) also have their graves at Minehead Cemetery. |
PRIVATE Frederick Collier Down (1895-1915)
He was born in Minehead in 1895 and was baptised on the 14th of August 1895. He was the son of James Down (1862-1940) and Sarah Ann Down nee Collier (1860-1937). He had just one sibling: William James Down (1893–1951). Frederick's father was a Mason and Builder, and the family home was at 51 Bampton Street, Minehead.
In the 1911 census Frederick's employment was recorded as being an Apprentice Bootmaker, but when war came in 1914, he enlisted into the Army at Taunton to become Private 17226 of the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. The Battalion were sent to France, where they landed at Le Havre on the 22nd of August 1914. They experienced a comparatively quiet early Spring in 1915, alternating in and out of the frontline trenches, until they fought in The Second Battle of Ypres during April and May that year. Frederick was killed in action near Ploegsteert Wood, Ypres, on the 25th of June 1915, aged 20 years, and was buried at Talana Farm Cemetery at Ypres, Belgium (Plot II. B. 12.) The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: 'LORD JESUS GRANT HIM REST'. |
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ABLE SEAMAN Thomas 'Tom' Gilbert Dyer (1895-1916)
He was born at Minehead on the 8th of September 1895 and baptised on the 11th of October 1895. He was the son of John Dyer (1867-1941) and Agnes Eliza Dyer nee Matthews (1873-1945). His father was a farm labourer. The family home was at 9 Woodcombe Cottages, Bratton, Minehead. Thomas had seven siblings:
On the 12th of July 1915, Thomas, together with his best friend and neighbour from Woodcombe Cottages; William Paul, both enlisted into the Howe Battalion of the Royal Naval Division. Thomas became Able Seaman Service Number: Bristol Z/998, whilst his friend; William, became Able Seaman Service Number: Bristol Z/999. The battalion were, subsequently, deployed to France on the 10th of January 1916. The Royal Naval Division was formed at the outbreak of the war from Royal Navy and Royal Marine reservists and volunteers, who were not needed for service at sea. The eight battalions were named after naval commanders, Drake, Benbow, Hawke, Collingwood, Nelson, Howe, Hood and Anson. In 1916, following many losses among the original naval volunteers, the division was transferred to the British Army as the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. |
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Thomas died of wounds at the 4th Casualty Clearing Station in Varennes, France, on the 14th of November 1916, having been wounded the previous day at the Battle of the Ancre. He was 21 years old.
He was buried at Varennes British Cemetery, Albert, France (Plot 1.E.82). The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: "In loving memory of dear Tom & as long as life & memory last, I will remember him" Coincidentally, his best friend; William Paul, was killed in action at the Battle of Ancre on the 13th of November 1916 (the same day that Thomas was wounded). He was 19 years old. |
PRIVATE Louis Grant Edwards (1896-1916)
He was born in Maine, USA, in 1896 (A British Subject of British Parentage). He was the son of Arthur Paul Edwards (1868–1969) and Mary Emelie Edwards nee Frost (1862–1936). His siblings were:
On the 15th of June 1915 Louis enlisted in the Army at Taunton to become Private 11218 in the 8th Battalion (London Regiment) Royal Fusiliers. He was immediately sent to France to join his Battalion. He was killed in action on the 2nd of March 1916, close to the Hohenzollern Redoubt at Loos-en-Gohelle, France. |
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Louis' body was never recovered/identified, and he is commemorated on the Loos Memorial at Dud Corner Cemetery, Loos-en-Gohelle, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France (Panel 25 to 27).
By 1919 Louis' family had left Alcombe, Minehead, to reside at Manor Bungalow, Berrynarbor, North Devon. His brother: Frederick, remained at Berrynarbor and died in 1969. He is buried at St Peter's Churchyard, Berrynarbor. At some point later his parents moved from Berrynarbor to reside at Lands Cottage, Tiverton, Devon, where Louis' mother died in 1936. In 1938 his father remarried to Maude F. Rogers (1874-?). He died at Tiverton, Devon, in 1969 aged 100 years. |
LANCE CORPORAL Henry 'Harry' Edward England (1892-1915)
He was born at Stoke Bishop, Gloucestershire, (today a Northern Suburb of Bristol) in 1892, and baptised at the church of St Mary Magdalen, Stoke Bishop, on the 11th of December 1892. He was the son of Charles England (1851–1939) and Unity England nee Nash (1853–1930). His father was a Coachman and Groom for Sir Charles Cuyler, 4th Baronet (1867-1919). Henry had six siblings:
Whilst training at Bordon Barracks, Aldershot, Hampshire, Harry was taken ill and died of Meningitis on the 14th of February 1915, aged 22 years. He was buried in Minehead Cemetery (Plot: CE. 1224.) |
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SECOND LIEUTENANT Frew Ferguson Evans (1895-1917)
He was born at Minehead on the 3rd of August 1895 and baptised on the 6th of October 1895. He was the son of William Lavington Evans (1868–1925) and Constance Ella Northup Evans nee Ollerhead (1874–1938). His father was a Master Tanner and ran his own large Tannery in Minehead (once located where the Summerland Car Park is today). Frew had three siblings:
The family home was Wyndcote, Martlett Road, Minehead. He was educated at Clifton College, Bristol between 1909 and 1912, and was commissioned directly from the Officers Training Corps on the 11th of January 1915 to be temporary Second Lieutenant F.F.Evans of the 8th (service) Battalion, attached to the 4th Battalion of the South Wales Borderers. He served with the Indian Expeditionary Force in Mesopotamia (Iraq) from March 1916. He was killed in action near Kut-el-amara on the 13th of February 1917, aged 21 years. Colonel C.E. Kitchin wrote: "He was a lad of fine character, and was of the greatest help to me last summer in training the Regimental Grenadiers, of whom he had command, and he was very popular with all the ranks, and I know they will all deplore his loss," and Captain Philpott wrote: "He was in the company under my command, and also Battalion Bombing Officer, and it was while walking down a trench, after coming in from a patrol with his bombers, that he was shot through the head and died instantly. His death has been a very great loss, both to me personally and to the battalion. He was most popular with everyone, and always efficient and cheery; during the recent operations out here, he has done some excellent work with bombing parties, and although he was not always with my company, he always was willing to do more than his fair share of work whenever he had the opportunity. Personally, I miss him more than I can say." There is no record of where he was buried, but he is commemorated on the BASRA MEMORIAL (Panel 16 and 62), Al Basrah, Basra, Iraq. |
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At Minehead's St Michael's Parish Church he has a memorial installed by his family. It takes the form of a stained glass window carrying the badge of the South Wales Borderers, together with a brass memorial plaque below the window. The plaque reads: "To the glory of God and in loving memory of Frew Ferguson Evans 2nd Lieutenant 8th Battn. South Wales Borderers who gave his life for his country near Kut-el-amara, Mesopotamia on Feb 13th 1917. Aged 21 years."
Both his parents have their graves at Minehead Cemetery. His younger brother: Amery Yeo Evans (1909–1941), was killed in WW2 whilst serving as a Pilot in the RAF. His grave is at Marham Cemetery, Marham, Kings Lynn. |
SECOND LIEUTENANT Tudor Eglwysbach Evans (1891-1916)
He was born at Barnsbury, Islington, London, on the 12th of August 1891 and was the son of The Revd. John Evans (1840–1897) and Clara Kate Evans nee Richardson (1855–1915). His father was a Wesleyan Minister. Tudor's siblings were:
Tudor enlisted in the Army on the 24th of September 1914 as a non-commissioned officer: 2637 Serjeant T.E.Evans of the 21st Service Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers. On the 13th of May 1915 he gained a commission as Second Lieutenant in 'B' Company in the 8th Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment. Tudor was killed during fierce fighting when "B" company reached the German trenches on the 1st of July 1916, which was the first day of the Somme Offensive at the Battle of the Somme, nr Montauban, France. He was aged 24 years. He was buried at Carnoy Military Cemetery, Carnoy, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France (Plot E. 30.) |
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PRIVATE Lionel Leonard Floyd (1898-1917)
He was born at Watchet in 1898 and was the son of Thomas Floyd (1874-1940) and Louisa Mary Floyd nee Chidgey (1876-1941).
His four siblings were:
At age 18 Lionel enlisted into the Army at Taunton to become Private 34664 of the 1st Battalion, Princess Charlotte of Wales's (Royal Berkshire) Regiment. It was whilst in training at Fort Purbrook, Portsmouth, that he was taken ill (possibly meningitis) and admitted to the 5th Southern General Hospital, Priory School, Fawcett Road, Fratton, Portsmouth, where he died on the 21st of April 1917. He was buried at Minehead Cemetery. (Plot CE.1304). His parents are also buried at Minehead Cemetery together with his brother; Frederic. |
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PRIVATE James Gale (1894-1917)
He was born on the 22nd of January 1894 at Sandford, Devon, and baptised on the 21st of February 1894. He was the son of James Gale of Sandford, Nr Crediton, Devon (1869–1921) and Eliza Gale nee Bidwell of Thorverton, Devon, (1868–1930), who had married at the Church Of Saint Thomas Of Canterbury at Thorverton on the 25th of December 1881. His father was a coach and cab driver.
James had five siblings:
In WW1 James enlisted into the Army at Plymouth to become Private 201891 of the 1st/4th battalion in the East Lancashire Regiment. In 1915 he fought at Gallipoli at the Battle of Krithia Vineyard. In 1916 his battalion were moved to Egypt and he was in action at The Battle of Romani. In March 1917 his battalion were redeployed to France and landed at Marseilles before proceeding to Epehy for trench warfare. He 'died of wounds', aged 23 years, on the 29th of June 1917 and was buried at Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British Cemetery, Manancourt, Somme, France (Plot I. B. 5.). James' brother; Reginald Thomas Gale (1900-1917) is also commemorated on the Minehead War Memorial, having been killed in action in 1917 at the Battle of Passchendaele, Belgium, whilst serving with the Leicestershire Regiment. |
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His parents both have their graves at Minehead cemetery. James, and his Brother; Reginald, are both commemorated on their Father's gravestone, which reads: "Also of James Gale. Died of Wounds in France, June 29th 1917. Also of Reginald T. Gale. Killed in action in France, Oct 24th 1917.
James' younger Brother; Charles Gale (1909-1989) is buried at Tiverton Cemetery in Devon. |
LANCE CORPORAL Reginald Thomas Gale (1900-1917)
He was born in the village of Thorverton, Devon, in Septembert 1900, and baptised at the Church of St Thomas of Canterbury in Thorverton on the 27th of October 1900. He was the son of James Gale of Sandford, Nr Crediton, Devon (1869–1921) and Eliza Gale nee Bidwell of Thorverton, Devon, (1868–1930), who had married at the Church Of Saint Thomas Of Canterbury at Thorverton on the 25th of December 1881. His father was a coach and cab driver.
Reginald had five siblings:
Reginald's brother, James Gale (1894-1917) is also commemorated on the Minehead War Memorial, having been killed in June 1917 whilst serving with the East Lancashire Regiment. |
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His parents both have their graves at Minehead cemetery. Reginald, and his Brother; James, are both commemorated on their Father's gravestone, which reads: "Also of James Gale. Died of Wounds in France, June 29th 1917. Also of Reginald T. Gale. Killed in action in France, Oct 24th 1917.
Reginald's younger Brother; Charles Gale (1909-1989) is buried at Tiverton Cemetery in Devon. |
SAPPER William Harold Gamlin (1889-1917)
He was born on the 19th of September 1889 at Hand & Pen, Whimple, Devon, and was baptised at St Mary's Church, Whimple, on the 26th of October 1890. He was the son of Frederick Robert Gamlin (1867-1950) and Mary Gamlin nee Crook (1869-1963), who had married in 1889. His father was a Wheelwright and Carpenter.
William had two siblings:
William enlisted into the Army at Minehead on the 20th of March 1910, joining the Somerset Royal Horse Artillery. He left the Army around February 1914 and was then employed at a Coachbuilders in Minehead. However, as a Reservist, he was recalled to duty at the beginning of WW1 to become Sapper 21370 of the 29th Company, Royal Engineers. He was posted to France on the 12th of August 1914 as part of the British Expeditionary Force, and served in the 152nd Field Company, Royal Engineers. On the 21st of January 1916, whilst on home leave at Minehead, he married Annie Bailey (1891-1965), the daughter of Alfred Baker Bailey (1859-1925), a Coal Carrier, of 2 The Goss, St. Michael's Road, Minehead. Returning to France his unit fought at several battles during 1916 and 1917, including The Battle of Menin Road, The Battle of Polygon Wood, The Battle of Broodseinde, and The Battle of Poelcappelle. William was wounded on the 11th of October 1917 during the preparations for the Battle of Passchendaele. He was admitted to the 1/1 Australian Casualty Clearing Station at Bailleul, France, where he died of his wounds on the 18th of October 1917. He was aged 28 years, and was buried in Outtersteene Communal Cemetery Extension, Bailleul, Nord, France (Plot: II. A. 4.). |
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Corporal H.Stears wrote of him: "He was a splendid soldier and comrade, always cheery, and a splendid chap under shell fire". He is commemorated on the Minehead War Memorial, the Minehead Roll of Honour, and on the Trull War Memorial.
His widow; Annie, remained at Minehead, residing at 23 Selbourne Place. She died on the 31st of May 1965 at the West Somerset Hospital, Minehead. |
SERJEANT John Alexander Gray (1889-1916)
He was born at Birkenhead, Lancashire, in 1889.
In WW1 he served as 57409 Corporal (later Serjeant) in the Royal Field Artillery 35th Battery, 33rd Brigade. He 'died of woulds' whilst serving in France, on the 17th of July 1916, aged 27 years, and was buried at the Merville Communal Cemetery, Merville, Departement du Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France. Plot XI. B. 47. |
BOMBARDIER Thomas Greenslade (1894-1917)
Thomas was born on the 10th of May 1894 at Alcombe, Minehead. He was the son of Richard Greenslade (b.1863) and Emma Greenslade nee Pope (1867-1905) of Alcombe, Minehead. His father was a domestic coachman (Cab proprietor).
Thomas had six siblings:
By the time of the 1911 census the family were residing at 'The Court', Alcombe. Thomas' employment was shown as being a Bread Van Driver. With the arrival of WW1 in 1914, Thomas enlisted at Birmingham, joining “C” Battery of the 74th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, as Bombardier 11527. The 74th Brigade Royal Field Artillery landed at Le Havre on the 29th of August 1915 and joined the Guards Division. In 1915 they were in action in The Battle of Loos. . In 1916 they fought on The Somme in The Battle of Flers-Courcelette and The Battle of Morval, capturing Lesboeufs. In 1917 they were in action in the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, the Third Battle of Ypres and The Battle of Cambrai. |
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Thomas was taken seriously ill whilst serving in France. He was repatriated to the Red Cross run Hospital in his home town of Minehead. He spent his last days being visited by his father and the rest of the family, and died on the 11th of July 1917, aged 23 years. His death certificate records the cause of death as stomacitis oris, general sepsis and basal meningitis.
He buried in Dunster, Somerset, at the Old (George Street) Cemetery (Plot 131A). The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: "UNTIL THE RESURRECTION MORN". |
PRIVATE Arthur Leonard Greenway (1896-1916)
He was born on the 12th November 1896 at the family home at Causway Terrace, Watchet, Somerset, and baptised on the 3rd of January 1897 at St Decumans Church, Watchet. Arthur was the son of Jonathan Greenway (b.1863 in Tralee, Kerry, Ireland) and his wife Charlotte Greenway nee Prince (1861-1906) of Clovelly, North Devon. His father was a local Coastguard.
Arthur had four siblings:
On the 4th of November 1906, shortly before Arthur's tenth birthday, his mother died at home, suffering from "pulmonary phthisis" (tuberculosis). She was aged just 46 years and was buried at Dunster on the 8th of November 1906. In early 1911 Arthur’s father; Jonathan, was remarried, to Mary Dean (b.1874 Skilgate, Somerset), and the 1911 census showed the family as residing at Avill Road, Dunster. Arthur was recorded as employed as an errand boy. In 1913, Arthur, then aged only 16, emigrated to Canada. His ship sailed from Southampton for Portland, Maine, USA, with his final destination being Winnipeg in Canada. In the records he gave his occupation as a gardener and stableman, and named his next of kin as his father; John Greenway of West Street, Dunster. He was working as a Farmer at age 18 years and 10 months when he enlisted into the Canadian Army at Winnipeg on the 27th of October 1915. He joined the 44th Battalion (New Brunswick) Regiment of the Canadian Infantry as Private 460078. His enlistment record described him as in good physical condition, 5’ 8” tall, with a ruddy complexion and fair hair, with brown eyes. |
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His battalion were sent to England and arrived in Bordon Barracks in Hampshire on the 11th April 1916, where they spent a month before being transferred to Bramshott temporary Military Camp, Hampshire. It was not long before they left for France as part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, disembarking in France on the 10th August 1916. They were engaged at the Battle of Thiepval Ridge from the 26th–28th of September 1916 during the Battle of the Somme, and at the Battle of the Ancre Heights between the 1st October – 11th of November 1916.
Arthur was killed in action during the Battle of the Ancre Heights on the 20th of October 1916. He was aged 20 years and his body was never identified/recovered. He is commemorated on the Vimy Canadian National Memorial at Vimy, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France. His name also appears on the War Memorial plaques at St George’s Church in Dunster, and at the Dunster Memorial Hall. Arthur’s will states: “In the event of my death I will give the whole of my property and effects to my father; Jonathan Greenway, of Hopcraft Terrace, Alcombe, Somerset.” |
GUNNER John Hale (1886-1918)
He was born at Wootton Courtenay, Somerset, on the 4th of March 1886. He was the son of John Hale (1860-1940) and his wife; Sarah (1858-1920) of Wootton Courtney. He was also the husband of Alice Hale, and the couple resided at 11, Hopcott Terrace, Alcombe, Minehead.
During WW1 John enlisted at Minehead as Gunner 202280 in the 132nd Heavy Battery of the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was killed in action in France on the 8th April 1918. He was aged 32 years and was buried at the Roye New British Cemetery, Roye, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France. Plot I. AA. 6. The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: 'UNITED IN LIFE DEATH CANNOT SEVER'. As well as Minehead's War Memorial he is also commemorated on his parent's gravestone at All Saints Churchyard, Wootton Courtenay, which reads: "Also of John, Son of the above, killed in action in France, April 8 1918, Aged 32" |
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RIFLEMAN George Webster Hemingway (1885-1917) Missing from Minehead War Memorial
Rifleman George Webster Hemingway
Service Number: 302980 London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade) 1st/5th Bn. Date of death: 18/02/1917 (aged 31) Cemetery: LAVENTIE MILITARY CEMETERY, LA GORGUE, France Son of Mrs. Fanny Hemingway, of Hayman Rd., Minehead, Somerset. Born 18 Apr 1885 Pannal Occupation 31 Mar 1901 Moor Monkton, York . apprentice wholesale druggist Occupation 2 Apr 1911 theological student Died 18 Feb 1917 Father John Charles Hemingway, b. 25 May 1852, Ashton under Lyne d. 29 Oct 1931, Manchester (Age 79 years) Mother Fanny Webster, b. Abt 1858, Golcar d. 15 Jun 1931, Minehead (Age ~ 73 years) Married 21 May 1884 Sheepscar St Clememnt John Charles Hemingway and Fanny Webster marr 1884 John Charles Hemingway and Fanny Webster marr 1884 Notes 18 Apr 1885, 26 Harlow Terrace, Pannel - b 5 Apr 1891, 80 Victoria Road, Headingley, Leeds, 5 31 Mar 1901, Schoolmistress' House, Moor Monkton, North Riding Yorkshire, 15 2 Apr 1911, 29 Huron Road, Upper Tooting, 25 (visiting Emma Fisher) |
PRIVATE Richard Hensley (1895-1917)
He was born at Minehead, Somerset in 1895 and was the son of Richard Thomas Hensley (1863-1939) and Annie Hensley nee Hole (1865-1898) of 7, Church St., Minehead, Somerset. His mother died when he was just 2 years of age and his father was remarried in 1900 to Edith Caroline Westcott (1879–1952), and who became his step-mother.
In 1914 he married Maud Beatrice Dyer (1894-1977) of Porlock Weir, Somerset. She was the daughter of George Frank Dyer (B.1859) and his wife; Mary Ann Dyer nee Taylor (b.1864). In 1914 Richard and Maud had a daughter; Sarah Joyce Hensley. In WW1 he enlisted at Minehead, Somerset, as Private 240587 in the 1st/5th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. Having been deployed to India in the early part of the war, the 1st/5th Somersets were redeployed to Egypt, arriving at Suez on the 11th of May 1917 and were then engaged in various actions against the Ottoman Turks. Richard was killed in action on the seventh day of 'The Battle of Nebi Samwil', in southern Palestine, on the 23rd of November 1917. The village of Nebi Samwil, was part of the Ottoman defences in front of Jerusalem and its capture was considered vital to the eventual capture of the city. Richard was aged 22 years. He was buried at the Jerusalem War Cemetery at Plot B.71. He is also commemorated on both the Minehead and Porlock War Memorials in Somerset. |
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Two of his brothers also served in WW1:
William Hensley (b.1892) enlisted at Minehead into the Army Service Corps, whilst Harold Hensley enlisted into the Somerset Light Infantry. Both survived the war. |
LANCE SERJEANT Walter Hill (Died 1917)
He was born in Reading, Berkshire, and in WW1 was residing at Minehead. He enlisted at Minehead into the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry and rose to the rank of Lance Sergeant , Service No. 24561.
He was killed in action on the Western Front in Belgium on the 12th of July 1917, and buried at the Ramscappelle Road Military Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot V. B. 9. (Age unknown). |
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LANCE CORPORAL Robert Wylie Hodgson (1893-1916)
He was born at Minehead in 1893 and was the son of Tom Lewis Hodgson (1868-1955) and Emily Hodgson (1868-1924) of 1 Summerland Rd Minehead. His father was a Fish and Poultry Merchant.
In WW1 he enlisted at Minehead into the 7th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, serving as Private 18953, and later promoted to Lance Corporal. The 7th Battalion were deployed to France in 1915 and were involved in numerous engagements along the Western Front. Robert was killed in action, aged 22 years, on the second day of The Battle of Flers-Courcelette on the Somme, France. His body was never identified/recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the missing, France (Pier and Face 2A). He is also commemorated on his parent's grave at Minehead Cemetery, as well as the Minehead War Memorial. |
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SECOND LIEUTENANT Vavasour Mervyn Holdsworth (1879-1915)
He was born at St Helier, Jersey, in 1879 and was the son of Henry Mervyn Holdsworth (1844 - 1941) and Rosa Frances Holdsworth nee Taylor (1855 - 1893). His Father was an estate agent and auctioneer. His only sibling was Violet Mervyn Holdsworth (1881 - 1972), who became an artist.
His wife was also named Violet, and they resided at Lower Cleeve, The Parks, Minehead. Before the war Vavasour had joined the North Devon Hussars, a territorial yeomanry, and served as a Lance Corporal. With the commencement of WW1 he gained a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the 22nd Battalion of (The Queen's) London Regiment. The Battalion were deployed to France in May 1915, and in 1915 fought at The Battle of Aubers Ridge, The Battle of Festubert, and The Battle of Loos. Vavasour was killed in action in France on the 20th of December 1915, aged 36 years. He was buried at the Vermelles British Cemetery Vermelles, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France, Plot III. A. 10. The inscription on his gravestone reads: 'With Christ, Which is Far Better.' As well as being commemorated on the War Memorial of his home town in Minehead, his name is also upon the War Memorial of the 22nd Battalion, The London Regiment, at Old Jamaica Road, London. A personal brass memorial plaque was placed by his wife at St Michael's Parish Church, Minehead. It reads: TO THE GLORY OF GOD. AND IN THANKFUL REMEMBRANCE OF MY HUSBAND. VAVASOUR MERVYN HOLDSWORTH. 2ND LIEUT 22ND LONDON REGT (THE QUEENS). KILLED IN ACTION ON DECEMBER 20TH 1915. NEAR VERMELLES, FRANCE, WHILE TRYING TO/ SUCCOUR ANOTHER, AGED 36 YEARS. I HAVE FOUGHT A GOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED MY COURSE. I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH HENCEFORTH. |
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PRIVATE John William Howe Hooper (1873-1919) - in the process of updating with extra info
He was born at Minehead, Somerset, in 1873 and was baptised on the 2nd of November 1873. He was the son of James Hooper of Minehead (1846-1935) and Elizabeth Hooper nee Howe of Porlock (1847-1932). John’s siblings were:
1. Mary Howe Quick nee Hooper (1869-1958) 2. Charles Howe Hooper (1871-1942) The family home was at Periton, on the western fringes of Minehead. As an infant aged 6 weeks old John fell into a fire. All of the fingers of his left hand were lost leaving only his thumb, which only had minimal use. As a young man he obviously overcame his disability and, after serving an apprenticeship, he qualified as a Tailor. On the 11th of March 1902 at Twitchen, near South Molton, Devon, he married Bessie Dascombe (1878-1958). Bessie was the daughter of William Dascombe of Twitchen (1842-1926) and Ellen Dascombe nee Hayes of Withypool, Somerset, (b.1859). John and Bessie made their home at 22 Summerland Avenue, Minehead, and on the 27th of July 1911 they had a daughter; Maidie Hooper (1911-1937). By 1915 they have moved home and were residing at 'Hopedale' Alexandra Road, Minehead. In WW1 John enlisted into Army Service Corps and served as Private R/4/1444450 in the remounts squadron at Minehead where he was involved in looking after mules on a local farm before they were shipped over to France. John was transferred to the remount depot at Swaythling near Southampton, Hampshire, on the 16th of June 1916, where he underwent a medical assessment for his disability. The Medical Board's report described him as being "unemployable amongst horses" and "useless as a soldier". To his great disappointment he was discharged as permanently unfit for war service on the 23rd of August 1916 having served 281 days. |
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He was awarded the 'Silver War Badge'. The badge was designed to be worn on civilian clothes to denote that the recipient had been honourably discharged due to injury or sickness, and was no longer fit enough to serve. Its primary purpose was to show an opinionated public that the recipient was not a coward, and had served his country.
John died at Dunster, aged 45 years, on the 25th of June 1919 from “War Related Illness” and was buried at Plot 1485 at Minehead Cemetery, where he shares the grave-site with his wife and daughter. He is commemorated on Minehead's war memorial. |
PRIVATE Albert Hopkins (1892-1917)
He was born at Minehead, Somerset, in 1892 and was the son of James Hopkins (1854-1926) and Mary Jane Hopkins nee Yeandle (1860-?) of 3 Church Street, Minehead.
In WW1 he enlisted at Taunton into the 1st/5th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, as Private 32234. Having been deployed to India in the early part of the war, the 1st/5th Somersets were redeployed to Egypt, arriving at Suez on the 11th of May 1917 and were then engaged in various actions against the Ottoman Turks. He was killed in action on the seventh day of 'The Battle of Nebi Samwil, in southern Palestine, on the 23rd of November 1917. The village of Nebi Samwil, was part of the Ottoman defences in front of Jerusalem and its capture was considered vital to the eventual capture of the city. He was buried at the Jerusalem War Cemetery, plot B.24. His brother, Walter Hopkins (1896-1917), is also commemorated on Minehead's War Memorial. He was killed in action in Greece whilst serving with the 10th Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment. |
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PRIVATE Walter Hopkins (1896-1917)
He was born at Minehead, Somerset, in 1896 and was the son of James Hopkins (1854-1926) and Mary Jane Hopkins nee Yeandle (1860-?) of 3 Church Street, Minehead.
In WW1 he enlisted at Taunton into the 10th Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment as Private 13460. Having fought in France during the early part of the war his Battalion were redeployed to Salonika in Greece in November 1915 to fight the Bulgarian forces. He was killed in action, aged 20 years, on the 11th of February 1917, and was buried at the Doiran Military Cemetery, Doirani, Regional unit of Kilkis, Central Macedonia, Greece, Plot VI. G. 4. His brother, Albert Hopkins (1892-1917), is also commemorated on Minehead's War Memorial. He was killed in action at Nebi Samwil, in southern Palestine whilst serving with the 1st/5th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. |
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PRIVATE Sidney John Hosegood (1894-1916)
He was born at Minehead, Somerset, in 1894 and was the son of John Hosegood (1855-1902) and Sarah Hosegood nee Dyer (1863-1949) of 11 Bampton Street, Minehead.
During WW1 he enlisted at Exeter into the Military Mounted Police (Service No. 1836) and later gained the rank of Lance Corporal. However, he decided the role was 'not for him' and he transferred to the 7th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry as Private 20258. He was killed in action in France, aged 21 years, on the 16th of September 1916. His body was never identified/recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Thiepval, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France. Pier and Face 2 A. He is also commemorated on the Minehead War Memorial, together with his brother; William Robert Hosegood, who died in India in 1917 whilst serving with the 2nd/4th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. |
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CORPORAL William Robert Hosegood (1888-1917)
He was born in Wootton Courtenay, Somerset, in 1888 and was the son of John (1855-1902) and Sarah Hosegood nee Dyer (1863-1949) of 11 Bampton Street. Minehead. William married Ann Gibbs of Clatworthy, Somerset (1887-1972) in 1910 and the couple resided at 64 Bampton Street, Minehead. The couple had three children: Leonard Robert Hosegood (1912-1987), Sidney Thomas Hosegood (1914-1915), and Harold Hosegood (1917 - 2007).
In WW1 William enlisted at Taunton into the 2nd/4th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, and saw deployments at home and in India. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal, Service No. 4886, later 202734. He died of disease, probably Typhoid Fever, on the 18th of July 1917 whilst stationed at Lahore in India (today part of Pakistan). William was aged 28 years and was buried at the Lahore Cantonment British North Cemetery. He is commemorated on the Karachi 1914-1918 Memorial in Pakistan, and also the War Memorial in his home town of Minehead. After William's death his widow and family moved from Minehead and were recorded as residing in the rural area of Hindon, nr Selworthy (approx. 4 miles outside the town of Minehead). |
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William's brother; Sidney John Hosegood (1894-1916) is also commemorated on Minehead's War Memorial. During WW1 he served in the 7th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, and was killed in action whilst deployed in France.
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MERCANTILE MARINE Clement William Hunt (1901-1918)
Clement William Hunt was born at Minehead, Somerset, in 1901 and was the son of James Hunt (1870-1940) and Mary Louisa Hunt nee Thresher (1874-1923). The family lived at 15 Quay Street, Minehead.
Clement was a Seaman aboard the SV Chrysolite, a three-masted schooner owned by The Anglo-French Coasting Co. Ltd. The ship had left Swansea Docks in Wales on the 3rd of August 1918, bound for Treguier in Brittany, France, with a cargo of coal. On the 6th of August, at Bideford Bay in the Bristol Channel, the ship was in collision with the SS Gerent (a merchant steam ship en-route from Penarth, Wales, to Cherbourg, France, also with a cargo of coal). The Chrysolite was hit and cut through by the stem (or bow) of the Gerent, causing the Chrysolite to "founder with all hands". 16-year-old Clement was drowned and his body was 'lost at sea'. Three other Seaman from the Minehead area were also aboard the Chrysolite, and suffered the same fate: Henry 'Harry' Baker (1899-1918) of Minehead (1901-1918), Jack Martin of Minehead (1900-1918), and John Wilkinson Redd of Watchet (1863-1918). All four men are commemorated on the Minehead Harbour War Memorial. There were a number of hearsay reports made at the time that the 'Chrysolite' had been torpedoed by a German U-Boat. However, these rumours were proved to be false. This was evidenced by an Admiralty court case between the owners of Chrysolite and of the Gerent, that was heard in 1919. |
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CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
E. G. James
E. G. James
PRIVATE Edgar King (1896-1916)
He was born in Bishops Hull, Somerset, in 1896 and is first found in the 1901 census records as the 5-year-old son of Mary King; a widow residing at Shute Water, Bishop's Hull. A decade later, in the 1911 census, and Edgar was shown to be boarding at Hamwood Cottages, Bishop's Hull, and employed as an Errand Boy. His mother had remarried to become Mrs. M. J. Winsborough, of 17, Summerland Avenue, Minehead.
At the commencement of WW1 Edgar enlisted at Minehead into the 9th (Service) Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, as Private 11129. His Battalion were deployed to Le Harve, France, on the 28th of July 1915, and first saw action at the Battle of Loos in September 1915. Edgar was killed in action during the capture of the village of Mametz, France, during the first day of the Battle of the Somme, on the 1st of July 1916. He was aged 20 years, and was buried at the Devonshire Cemetery, Mametz, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France. Plot A.4. He is commemorated on Minehead's War Memorial, and also on the War Memorial in his home village of Bishops Hull. |
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PRIVATE Edward 'Ted' George James Knight (1897-1917)
He was born in 1897 at Totterdown, Bristol, and was the son of David Knight (1868-1937) and Rose Louisa Knight nee Hill (1865-1942). Ted's father originated from Porlock, and his mother had been born in Minehead. They married in 1893 and resided at Wydon Farm, near Minehead. Ted had one sibling; Percy Stanley Knight (1899-1968).
He was educated at Wellington School, Wellington, Somerset, and prior to WW1 Ted lived and worked on the family farm. He enlisted at Minehead into the West Somerset Yeomanry but was later transferred into the 15th Battalion of the Royal Hampshire Regiment, serving as Private 204611. The 15th Hampshires were deployed to France in early May 1916, initially concentrating between Hazebrouck and Bailleul, and were involved in several engagements on the Somme. Ted was killed in action at the Battle of Menin Ridge, near Ypres, Belgium, on the 20th of September 1917. He was aged 20 years and his body was never identified/recovered - A fact that his father found difficult to accept and always led him to question his son's death. He is commemorated on Panel 88 to 90 and 162 of the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium, as well as on Minehead's War Memorial. |
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LIEUTENANT Gerald Leather (1889-1914)
On an old grave in Minehead’s Cemetery can be found a memorial plaque to Lieutenant Gerald Leather R.N. who was lost at sea in the sinking of HMS Pathfinder on the 5th of September 1914.
He was born in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, on the 11th of August 1889, and was the son of John Henry Leather of Leeds (1842-1912) and Susan Lorenza “Laura” Leather nee Fitzgibbon of Cork, Ireland (1851-1930). Gerald’s father was a Mechanical Engineer; first with Smith & Leather of Keighley (his own company) and then with PC Garnett Ltd. By the time the family moved to Minehead he was described as a ‘Gentleman’, meaning that he was an independent man of standing, living off his own income rather than a wage and this is likely to have included land ownership. He was killed in a motor accident whilst visiting Bristol on the 21st of January 1912 and is buried at Minehead Cemetery. Gerald's mother died from illness at the Minehead & West Somersetshire Hospital on the14th of November 1930 and is buried with her husband at Minehead Cemetery. Gerald had three siblings: 1. Norman George Leather (1887-1948) 2. Reginald Leather (b.1891) 3. John Henry Leather (1895-1958) However, he also had ten half-siblings from his father's first marriage to Frances "Fanny" Mary Leather nee Ikin of Leeds (1844-1885), who died following complications from childbirth with their tenth child: 1. Charles Walter Ikin Leather (1873-1939) 2. Mary Frances Walker nee Leather (1875-1919) 3. Harry Douglas Leather (1876-1954) 4. Florence Amy Grylls nee Leather (1877-1954) 5. Hilda Barton nee Leather (b.1878) 6. Bertram Leather (1880-1950) 7. Beatrice Emily Grylls (1880-1965) 8. Frederick Leather (1882-1911) 9. Harold Leather (1884-1957) 10. Gertrude Annie Leather (1885-1886) Gerald was privately educated at a school in Honiton, Devon, before deciding upon a Naval career and joining the Royal Navy as a 15-year-old Cadet on the 6th of August 1905. He was promoted to the rank of Sub-Lieutenant on the 15th of July 1909 and to Lieutenant on the 15th of October 1910. In 1911 his Senior Officer; Captain S. Hutchinson of the Destroyer HMS Ure, mentioned Gerald as “A most promising young officer”, although his naval record of 1912 described him as having "not much ability or energy but tries his best." None-the-less, Gerald was appointed to the light-cruiser HMS Pathfinder in October 1913. By 1914 he resided at a family property at 18, Belvedere Grove, Wimbledon, London. On the 5th of September 1914, just 5 weeks into WW1, the ship’s crew were enjoying the pleasant sunshine of an autumn afternoon as HMS Pathfinder steamed along on her regular patrol on the outer edge of the area of the Firth of Forth, off the coast of South East Scotland. The visibility was excellent with a slight swell shaping the sea’s smooth surface and light clouds drifting across the blue skies. At about 3:50pm, with the Pathfinder approximately 17 miles south east of May Island, the peaceful scene was suddenly shattered as a torpedo from U-21 smashed into the starboard side of the ship. The ship’s magazine exploded and the Pathfinder sank in less than four minutes – it was the first British Warship to be sunk by a German U-Boat. There had been no time to launch the ship’s lifeboats and only 16 of the 278 crew survived. |
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Members of the St. Abbs’ lifeboat crew later described the appalling scene, saying: “There was not a piece of wood big enough to float a man and over acres the sea was covered with fragments, human and otherwise”.
Gerald’s body was never recovered. His name is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial and also on a war memorial plaque in the 'Warrior Chapel' at St Mary's Church, Wimbledon. His name is recorded on the 'Minehead Roll of Honour', and on his parent’s grave in Minehead Cemetery a memorial plaque reads: “Lieut. Gerald Leather R.N. Aged 25 Years. Son of the above. Loved one who laid down his life for King and Country in the Pathfinder. Sept 5th 1914. Rest Till He Cometh To Make Up His Jewell. The Sea Shall Give Up Its Dead.” |
PRIVATE George Walter Passmore Litson (1872-1915)
He was born at Lynmouth, Devon, in 1872, and was the son of Henry Litson (1831-1909) of Lynton and Ann Passmore Litson nee Baker (1839-?) of Minehead. George married Elizabeth Ann Gard Rogers (b.1866) of Minehead, and the couple had three children:
In WW1 he enlisted at Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales, into the 4th Battalion of the South Wales Borderers, and served as Private 13934. Some men from the North Somerset coast enlisted in Welsh regiments as it was easy, and often quicker, to travel across the Bristol Channel on cheap ferry crossings to Welsh Ports in those times, rather than to Taunton to enlist. His Battalion were deployed to the Gallipoli Campaign, traveling via Alexandria in Egypt, and then the staging post of the Greek island of Mudros, before landing at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, on the 19th of July 1915. |
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George was killed in action on the 9th of August 1915. He was aged 43 years, and his body was never identified/recovered. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial on the Gallipoli peninsula, Turkey.
His brother was Charles Noel Litson (1873-1963) who served during WW1 as Private 11096 in the Devonshire Regiment. |
PRIVATE Walter Francis Joseph 'Joe' Locker (1897-1917)
He was born at Stratford, London, on the 1st of August 1897 and was always known as 'Joe' or 'Joseph'. He was the son of Walter Alfred Locker (1859-1935) of Minehead, Somerset, and Edith Frances Locker nee Adams (1863 - 1931) of Wells, Somerset. The family resided at the Old School House, Manor Road, Alcombe, Minehead. ( When previously in use as a school, the school hall and school yard were accessed through a tunnel, or coach entrance, under the right side of the house).
On the 11th of December 1915, 'Joe' enlisted into the Plymouth Division, 2nd RM Battalion, Royal Marine Light Infantry, Service No. PLY/1692 (S). He was killed in action, aged 19 years, whilst serving in France on the 26th of April 1917. Joe's body was never identified/recovered and he is commemorated at Bay 1 of the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. In addition to the Minehead War Memorial he is also commemorated at the church of St Michael the Archangel, Alcombe, with his name and regimental badge within the stained-glass war memorial window. |
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SECOND LIEUTENANT John Guy Lovelace (1899-1917)
He was born at Bratton Court, Bratton Lane, Bratton, near Minehead, on the 23rd of May 1899 and was the son of Thomas Lovelace (b.1862 at Winsford, Somerset) and Elizabeth Rosalie Lovelace nee Bates (b.1865 at Folkestone, Kent).
In 1917 he joined the Royal Flying Corps as a Second Lieutenant (Pilot Officer), Service No. 82441. His previous occupation was described as a 'Miscellaneous Aviator'. He died at Minehead in 1921 (circumstances unknown). |
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PIONEER Joseph Maguire (1878-1918)
Not on Minehead War Memorial
He was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1878 and in WW1 enlisted into the Army at Carlisle, Cumberland. He served as Pioneer WR/340320 in the Inland Water Transport Battalion of the Royal Engineers.
The Inland Water Transport Battalion was a branch of the Corps of Royal Engineers. They were involved with projects involving the waterways and harbours of Great Britain, as well as the canals of France and Belgium that were in British hands. In Minehead they worked closely with the Remounts Service of the Army Service Corps, this was due to Minehead being a major concentration for providing Mules to Regiments serving in France and Flanders. Mules were familiarised for war work at a training centre at Bratton Court Farm two miles from the town centre, and others went to farms at Ellicombe, Withycombe, Dunster and Wiveliscombe. Once trained they were sent from Minehead by train to larger ports such as Southampton or Dover or directly by steam ship from Minehead Harbour, eventually arriving in France. Joseph died, aged 40 years, at the 2nd Southern General (Auxiliary) Hospital at Minehead on the 26th of May 1918, circumstances unknown. He was buried at Minehead Cemetery at Plot RC 361 (Registered as a Roman Catholic grave). From military records it can be deducted that both of Joseph’s parents were already deceased by 1918, as his War Death gratuity of £7 13s was awarded to his sister; Mrs Jane Gray. His Gravestone, placed in position by the Imperial War Graves Commission in 1921, was paid for by The Hon. Secretary, British Legion, Bonshaw, Woodcombe Brake, Minehead. |
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PRIVATE Frederick Adam Sanford Martin (1896-1917)
He was born at Cullompton, Devon, in 1897 and was the son of Adam Sanford Martin (1864-1933) and Miriam Frances Martin nee Drake (1867-1950) of "The Pines', Alcombe, Minehead.
In WW1 he enlisted at Cullompton into the Royal Army Medical Corps 2nd/1st (Wessex) 24th Field Ambulance, as Private 457322. The 2nd/1st Wessex 24th Field Ambulance, RAMC (Territorial Force) was formed in September 1914 as a reserve to the 1st Wessex at Exeter. With the original unit having left with the 8th Division for active service, the men of the 2nd would wait patiently in numerous camps for their turn. This would come in 1916 when, on the morning of the 15th of January 1916, the Territorials landed at Le Havre, France. The 'Field Ambulance' was not a vehicle but a mobile front line medical unit manned by troops of the Royal Army Medical Corps. It had responsibility for establishing and operating a number of points along the casualty evacuation chain, from the Bearer Relay Posts, taking casualties rearwards through an Advanced Dressing Station, and also providing a Walking Wounded Collecting Station. When it was at full strength a Field Ambulance was composed of 10 officers and 224 men. Frederick died on the 3rd of June 1917 in hospital near Ypres, aged 20 Years (Circumstances unknown). He was buried at the Brandhoek Military Cemetery, Belgium, at Plot I. B. 20. where the personal inscription on his gravestone reads: HIS MOTTO. NOT FOR OURSELVES BUT FOR ALL. |
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He is named on the Wessex Field Ambulance WW1 Memorial at Exeter Cathedral. In addition to the Minehead War Memorial he is also commemorated at the church of St Michael the Archangel, Alcombe, with his name and regimental badge within the stained-glass war memorial window.
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MERCANTILE MARINE Jack Martin (1900-1918)
He was born at Minehead in 1900 and was the youngest of five children of
William Henry Martin (1864-1952) and Hannah Fry Martin nee Baker (1867 - 1958). His four siblings were: 1. Ruth Martin (1889 - 1929) 2. William Henry Martin (1891 - 1974) 3. Lucille Martin (1892 - 1970) 4. Elizabeth Ann Martin (1896 - 1987) Jack's father was a Merchant Seaman who became the Coxswain of Minehead's first lifeboat; the 'George Leicester' between 1901 and 1927, and then it's replacement; the 'Hopwood' until 1930. He also became Minehead's Harbourmaster. Jack followed in his father's footsteps as a Seaman, serving aboard the SV Chrysolite, a three-masted schooner owned by The Anglo-French Coasting Co. Ltd. The ship had left Swansea Docks in Wales on the 3rd of August 1918, bound for Treguier in Brittany, France, with a cargo of coal. On the 6th of August 1918, at Bideford Bay in the Bristol Channel, the ship was in collision with the SS Gerent (a merchant steam ship en-route from Penarth, Wales, to Cherbourg, France, also with a cargo of coal). The Chrysolite was hit and cut through by the stem (or bow) of the Gerent, causing the Chrysolite to "founder with all hands". 18-year-old Jack was drowned and his body was 'lost at sea'. Three other Seaman from the Minehead area were also aboard the Chrysolite, and suffered the same fate: Henry 'Harry' Baker (1899-1918) of Minehead, Clement William Hunt (1901-1918) of Minehead, and John Wilkinson Redd of Watchet (1863-1918). All four men are commemorated on the Minehead Harbour War Memorial. Jack is also remembered on his father's gravestone in Minehead Cemetery, with an inscription reading: "In Loving Memory of Jack. The Beloved Son of W.H. & H. Martin, who was drowned at sea August 4th 1918. Aged 18." There were a number of hearsay reports made at the time that the 'Chrysolite' had been torpedoed by a German U-Boat. However, these rumours were proved to be false. This was evidenced by an Admiralty court case between the owners of the Chrysolite and of the Gerent, that was heard in 1919. |
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SECOND LIEUTENANT Arthur Pelham Mason (1899-1918)
He was born at Nottingham on the 5th of February 1899 and was the son of Richard Henry Mason (1874-1960) and Kate Mason nee Lymn (1873-1932). His father worked as an accountant’s clerk, and later as an accountant for the local gas works, whilst his mother was employed as a haberdasher. Initially the family lived at 111 Sneinton Dale, Nottingham, but later moved nearby to 36 Ena Avenue, Sneinton Dale, in a new middle-class development. A final move was to 'Park View', Dagmar Grove, Alexandra Park, Nottingham.
His siblings were:
In the Autumn of 1916 he started at University College, Nottingham, where he joined the Officer Training Corps. However, in August 1917 he was admitted to Worcester College at Oxford University, and joined the Officer's Cadet Battalion. It was whilst at Oxford that he decided to enter the regular military, enlisting into the 3rd Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry and then sent for combat training at Clooney Park Camp in Londonderry, Ireland, where he gained a commission as a 2nd lieutenant. In March 1918 he transferred to Holywood Palace Barracks near Belfast, and on April the 4th was permitted 36 hours leave in order to visit his family in Nottingham before embarking at Southampton on April the 6th for deployment in France with the 8th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry (attached to the 1st Battalion). In letters home to his family he told of travelling through the French towns of Le Harve, Rouen, St. Omer, and Doullens, and of sending his batman to purchase soap at the French shops. A letter dated the 20th of August 1918,sent to his sister: Paula, said “This tour has been one continual move, move, move. And we’ve by no means finished yet.” “I’m afraid that I have nothing to talk about in these days. I can think of nothing at all to interest you. I will write longer letters if interesting things ever do happen. So goodbye for the present. Yours affectionately, Arthur.” |
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Arthur was at Riez-du-Vinage, near Mount Bernachon on the 22nd of August 1918 when he was shot by a German Sniper whilst he was making his way to the Platoon HQ. According to his commanding officer: "Arthur died about a quarter of an hour after being hit, and until the end was quite unconscious.” He was 19 years of age.
He was buried at the Gonnehem British Cemetery, Gonnehem, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France. Plot H. 15. The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: 'SUNSET AND EVENING STAR AND ONE CLEAR CALL FOR ME.' Arthur is commemorated on the war memorial at Minehead, Somerset, - but his connection with the town is currently unknown. |
PRIVATE Frederick Charles Mason (1883-1919)
He was born in Minehead in 1883 and was the son of Thomas Mason (1855 - 1930) and Sarah Jane Mason nee Poole (1857 - 1911). He had two siblings: Ada Ethel Mason 1880 - 1957, and one other (currently unknown). The family home was at Kimberley House, 9 Victoria Terrace, Alcombe, Minehead. Frederick's father was a "Brickyard Employee".
In 1915 he married Alice Smith of Bath, Somerset, (1880-1928) and the couple made their home at 9 Hopcott Terrace, Alcombe. On the 24th of July 1918 they had a daughter; Violet Irene Mason (1918 - 1997). In WW1 Frederick enlisted as Private 5557 in the 5th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. However, in 1917 he was found to be suffering from Graves Disease (an immune system disorder) and was discharged from the Army. He was awarded the 'Silver War Badge'. The badge was designed to be worn on civilian clothes to denote that the recipient had been honourably discharged due to injury or sickness, and was no longer fit enough to serve. Its primary purpose was to show an opinionated public that the recipient was not a coward, and had served his country. |
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Frederick died at home in Minehead, aged 35 years, on the 26th of February 1919 and was buried at Minehead Cemetery. He shares the grave-site with his wife; who died in 1928, aged 47 years.
He is commemorated on the Minehead War Memorial. |
BOMBARDIER William Frederick Matthews (1889-1918) Missing from Minehead war memorial
BOMBARDIER WILLIAM FREDERICK MATTHEWS
Service Number: 930258 Royal Field Artillery 92nd Bty. Died 04 November 1918 Age 29 years old (Influenza). Buried GRAVESEND CEMETERY, Kent. Plot 5288. Son of William and Eliza Matthews; husband of Alice Hills (formerly Matthews), of 4, The Avenue, Minehead, Somerset. BIRTH Greenwich,London. 1889 LOCATION Braddyl Street,Greenwich,London. parents address 1891 MARRIAGE Alice Cole 1915 Bombardier 1119 Royal Field Artillery Bombardier 930258 Royal Field Artillery Died of wounds 4TH NOVEMBER 1918 |
CAPTAIN Charles Carus Maude D.S.O. (1875-1914)
Not on Minehead's War Memorial - as is listed on the Bath War Memorial instead.
He was born on the 15th of January 1875 and was the youngest son of Colonel William Sherer Maud of the Royal Engineers (1840-1894) and Anne Maud nee Hartley of Milton House, Bournemouth, and of Bathwick Hill House, Bath. His elder brother was Brevet Lieutenant Colonel William Hartley Maud (1868-1948), Somerset Light Infantry, of Periton Mead, Minehead.
Charles was educated at Wellington College, Crowthorne, Berkshire, where he entered in the Summer of 1888. He followed his older brother; William, "into the Picton" (Picton House, Wellington College), then to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He received his commission in the Prince Albert's Somerset Light Infantry from the Militia in January 1896, and became Lieutenant on the 12th of January 1899. As a professional Soldier, he served during the South African (Boer) War of 1902, taking part in the operations in the Transvaal during March and April 1902, and received the Queen's Medal with two clasps. He also served in West Africa (Northern Nigeria) in 1903; during the Kano-Sokoto Campaign, taking part in the operations in the district of the east of Zaria; and received the Campaign Medal with clasp. He was promoted to Captain on the 3rd of February 1904 and took part in the Sokoto-Burmi operations in North West Nigeria against the Muslim caliphate of Muhammad Attahiru. Captain Maud next took part in the operations in the Jebal Nyima District of Southern Kordofan, South Sudan, and was awarded the Egyptian Medal with clasp, and the 4th Class Mejidie. He was also mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette, 24th January 1905) and was created a Companion Of The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) "For services during operations in Northern Nigeria, 1903-4." (London Gazette, 25 August 1905). When back in England he resided at his London address of 57 Eaton Square, Middlesex (Today in Belgravia, London). He would visit his widowed mother at her home in Bath, and also his elder brother and his wife at Minehead. Charles was a Freemason and a member of Malmesbury Lodge No. 3156 in London, and also of The Old Wellingtonian Lodge No.3404 at Wellington College, Crowthorne, Berkshire. At the commencement of WW1 the 1st Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, of which Charles was the Officer Commanding 'B' Company, were based in Colchester and were part of 11th Brigade, 4th Division. They were deployed to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force, and were landed at Le Harve on the 22nd of August 1914. |
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On the 19th of December 1914, at Ploegsteert, Belgium, Captain Maud was involved in one of a series of attacks launched in the sector to try and catch the Germans off balance before Christmas. As he lead a small group from 'B' Company through a gap in the wire, a German came out of a building and, firing his rifle from the hip, shot Captain Maud in the stomach from a distance of 15 yards, and he died minutes later.
The Battalion was one of those that took part in the Christmas Truce and the War Diary for 25th December 1914 tells: "During the morning, Officers met the German Officers half way between the trenches and it was arranged that we should bring in our dead who were lying between the trenches". It was reported that German soldiers handed Captain Maud's body to his comrades, telling them he was a 'very brave man'. His body, along with 20 others, were all buried on Christmas Day in the Battalion's make-shift cemetery at the rear of the trenches. He was aged 39 years. His body, together with that of the other fallen, would later be relocated to the Ploegsteert Wood Military Cemetery, where he is buried at Plot II. B. 2. |
LANCE CORPORAL Clifford Merson (1882-1916)
He was born on the 17th of August 1882 at Bickham Farm, Timberscombe, Somerset, and was the sixth of seven children of Francis 'Frank' Merson (1828-1886) and Sarah Merson née Hare (1845-1923). His father came from Wiveliscombe and had married Clifford's mother in 1865 at Old Church, St Pancras, London. The family farmed 320 acres at Bickham Farm, Timberscombe, employing 6 men and 3 boys.
Clifford was baptised at St Petrock’s Church, Timberscombe, in October 1882. His siblings were:
By the time of the 1901 census Clifford and his widowed mother had left the farm and were residing at the 'Great House' in Timberscombe, leaving Clifford's elder brother; Lionel, to run and manage Bickham Farm with his wife; Kate. The Mersons were considered to be a wealthy and influential family. Sarah Merson (Clifford's mother) served on the Board Of Governors of Timberscombe School and in 1907 she donated the funds for a new treble bell for the tower at St. Petrock's Church. Around 1908 Clifford and his mother moved to 9 Bushcroft, The Avenue, Minehead, and at the same time were joined by his recently widowed brother; Lionel, and his two children; Derrick Merson (Born 1901) and Margaret Doreen Merson (Born 1908). The two brothers leased and ran a farm at Minehead for a few years until Clifford moved to Solihull in the West Midlands to become a Garage Manager. On the 25th of November 1915, Clifford, then aged 33 years, married Florence Eva JéBoult in Solihull. His wife had been born and brought up in Dunster and it would appear that they moved up to Solihull together. Clifford enlisted into the Army at Birmingham in 1915 and was placed into the Derby Scheme - A system in which men voluntarily registered for military service and were classified into groups for call up based on their age and marital status. The scheme was advantageous for older married men, who were only called-up once all single men registered in the scheme had been mobilised. Men who volunteered under the Derby Scheme were given a grey armband with a red crown as a sign that they were not cowards and had volunteered for service but were being held on the Army Reserve list until they were called-up. His call came in early 1916 and Clifford became Private 27740 in the Somerset Light Infantry. He was transferred to the 6th Battalion of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, probably by June the same year, as part of a reinforcement draft. The battalion were deployed to France and in July 1916 were on the front line near Arras. Towards the end of July the battalion occupied trench positions near three large craters on the north-east side of Arras, known as Cuthbert, Clarence and Claude; these had been created by the detonation of German mines under trenches in the British front line in the previous month. |
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The battalion moved to the Somme district in August and spent most of the first half of the month in training at Le Meillard, and then Albert. On the 14th of August 1916 the battalion were at Montauban in a support role moving water and rations to the front line. The following morning at 08:00 hrs, Clifford’s battalion relieved the 6th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry at Delville Wood, which was known to the troops as Devil’s Wood. A battle had been going on here for a month to gain a tactical artillery advantage during the Battles of the Somme.
On the 18th of August 1916 Clifford's battalion mounted an attack on the German positions. At 2.45pm they advanced across no-mans-land, supported by a rolling artillery barrage and was engaged in heavy fighting for the remainder of the day. Although the battalion captured some German trenches, it had suffered a high number of casualties from enemy machine gun fire. The following day it suffered additional casualties from German artillery bombardment while occupying their new positions. It was around this time that Clifford was promoted to Lance Corporal, probably replacing a man who had been killed in the engagement. On the morning of the 20th of August 1916 the battalion were relieved and moved to Fricourt for refitting. After a few days rest, they marched to Montauban on the 25th of August 1916 and were employed in a support role carrying water and rations to troops in the front line trenches. On the 30th of August 1916 the battalion were moved to Aumont, about 19 miles west of Amiens. On the night of the 15th/16th of September 1916 they were tasked with attacking German trench lines and capturing the village of Gueudecourt. This attack was part of the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, in which another Timberscombe man; Sidney Thorne, had died in this battle on the 15th of September, during the Coldstream Guards’ assault on German positions at Lesboeufs. Clifford Merson was killed in action during the fighting around Gueudecourt on the16th of September 1916, aged 34 years. Clifford's body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Thiepval, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France. Pier and Face 6 B, as well as on Minehead's War Memorial. His name is on the Timberscombe War Memorial Plaque within St Petrock's church, Timberscombe, where he also has a personal brass memorial plaque that was placed in the church by his family. His brother was Lionel Chave Merson (1879-1919), who in WW1 served in the Royal North Devon Hussars. |
LIEUTENANT Charles Lewis Moore (1888-1914)
He was born in Dublin, Ireland, on the 23rd of August 1888 and was the son of Colonel Henry Moore (1843-1926) of the King’s Own Regiment, and Annie Sophy Ruthven Moore nee Aitchison (1856-1895), who married in 1881 and resided at Higher Woodcombe, Minehead, Somerset. After the death of his first wife, his father was remarried in 1899 at Crowcombe, Somerset, to Geraldene Eleanor Carew (1859-1929).
Charles was educated at Sherborne Prep School and then at Wellington College, Berkshire, where he was a member of Blucher House 1901-1903. After which he joined the Royal Navy as an Officer Cadet and subsequent Midshipman. He was posted to HMS Leviathan, a Drake-class armoured cruiser, in 1905, and promoted to the rank of Sub-Lieutenant on the 30th of September 1908. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant on the 1st of April 1911. He was appointed to HMS Arrogant for a course in submarines on the 15th of August 1911. The Arrogant was an ex-Cruiser that had been converted to a depot ship, servicing the Fourth Submarine Flotilla in Portsmouth. On the 14th of November 1911, Charles was re-appointed to the ship for service in submarines. In October 1913 he was lent to the Royal Australian Navy aboard the newly built AE1 Submarine. AE1 was one of two E-class submarines constructed at Barrow, England, for the new Australian navy. It was given the prefix A for Australian and sent to the Dominion with her mixed crew of 18 Australians, 16 British (all her officers, plus men who’d transferred from the RN to the RAN, and one New Zealander) arriving in Sydney just a couple of months before the outbreak of war. At the outbreak of WWI, AE1 joined the naval forces assigned to the capture of the German Pacific colonies. With her sister boat; AE2, she took part in the operations leading to the occupation of German New Guinea, including the surrender of Rabaul on the 13th of September 1914. The following day, at 7:00am the destroyer HMAS Parramatta left her night patrol to rendezvous with AE1 and conduct a patrol in St George’s Channel to the south and east of the Duke of York Islands. The two vessels met at 8:00am and exchanged signals before proceeding to Cape Gazelle. A further exchange of signals followed during which Parramatta advised AE1 that her orders were "To search to the south’ard with submarine AE1 and anchor off Herbertshohe at 5:30pm". Parramatta then proceeded independently in a southerly direction while AE1 advanced in a NE direction. The weather was hazy and visibility was observed to be between 9 and 10 nautical miles, at times decreasing to 5 miles. Parramatta reported that AE1 was obscured by the haze for some time, as was the nearest land. Given these conditions, Parramatta’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant William Warren RAN, considered it advisable not to lose sight of the submarine for too long. At 12:30pm Parramatta turned to the NW and by 2:30pm she was close to AE1 when the submarine asked by signal: ‘What is the distance of visibility?’ Parramatta responded: ‘About 5 miles’. At 3:20pm the submarine was lost sight of and Parramatta altered course and steamed in the direction she was last seen. No sign of AE1 was found and it was considered that she must have steamed back to harbour without informing Parramatta. Consequently, Parramatta proceeded to the NW heading, anchoring off Herbertshohe at 7:00pm. By 8:00pm the submarine had not returned and Parramatta and her sister ship; HMAS Yarra, were ordered to search for the submarine. The light cruiser HMAS Sydney, on her way to the west coast, also received instructions to keep a lookout. A search by five navy ships in the days following failed to find the sub, but Mioko Island villagers at the time spoke of seeing a "monster" or "devil fish" that appeared and quickly disappeared back into depths. However, no trace of AE1 was found, not even the tell-tale shimmer of escaping oil floating on the surface of the water. |
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For over 100 years it remained a mystery as to what caused AE1 to disappear. New searches was conducted from 1976 to establish her location; but none were successful until 2017, when the wreck was discovered in 300 metres of water during a search off the Duke of York Islands, near the New Britain capital of Rabaul.
Experts who analysed the wreck believe the HMAS AEI sank after a ventilation valve in the hull was left partially open when the sub dived. It's not clear if it was human error or a mechanical failure that caused the fault, however, with the valve open water would have flooded the engine room. As AE1 sank to its 100-metre crush depth an implosion would have ripped through the vessel killing all on board instantly. Lieutenant Charles Lewis Moore died on the 14th of September 1914. aged 26 years. He is commemorated on Panel 4 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial at Plymouth Hoe, Devon. His name also appears on Minehead's War Memorial. Charles' brother also chose a Naval career, and became; Admiral Sir Henry Ruthven Moore GCB, CVO, DSO, DL (1886-1978). |
PRIVATE Walter John Moore (1889-1917)
He was born at Minehead, Somerset, in 1889, and baptised at Minehead on the 6th of October 1889. He was the son of Henry and Mary Jane Moore.
He first enlisted and served as Private 267300 in the Middlesex Regiment, before being transferred as Private 32410 in the 1st Battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment. He was killed in action at Passchendaele, Belgium, on the 4th of October 1917, aged 28 years. His body was never identified/recovered, and he is commemorated at the Tyne Cott Memorial, Belgium. Panel 77 to 79. |
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CAPTAIN Francis Molyneux Yorke Nepean (1868-1915)
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
died 16th Sep 1915 aged 47. CAPTAIN Somerset Light Infantry 7th Bn. Buried or commemorated at RUE-PETILLON MILITARY CEMETERY, FLEURBAIX I. N. 7. France Son of Col. H. A. T. Nepean. Personal Inscription DULCE ET DECORUMEST PRO PATRIA MORI Captain Francis Molyneux Yorke Nepean Dulwich College London YEARS ATTENDED THE COLLEGE: 1876 - 1876 Home ad was Lansdowne Road, Worthing Born 31st March 1868, Francis was the son of Colonel Herbert Augustus Tierney Nepean, of the Madras Staff Corps, and had both a brother, Herbert Evan Charles Bayley Nepean, and a cousin, Richard Colville Nepean, also attending the college. He left in December of 1876 whilst a member of the Lower 1st and would later join the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, serving in India for 21 years. By 1909, Francis reached the rank of Colonel Sergeant and retired with life pay, moving to Somerset and became an estate agent. At the outbreak of war, Francis joined the 7th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry and was shipped out to Belgium in early 1915 as a Captain. On 16th September 1915 he was shot and killed in Flanders, being buried at Rue-Petillon Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix. Captain, 7th Battalion, The Somerset Light Infantry. 20th (Light) Division. Killed in action near Fleurbaix 15 September 1915. Son of Colonel & Mrs H. A. T. Napean of Worthing. Heene Parish Church War Memorial. Buried in Rue Petillon Military Cemetery, Fleubaix Commemorated on the Worthing and Minehead war memorials. The Dulwich College Roll of Honour. plus a ww1 memorial WHITE MARBLE TABLET FOR WW1 at St Botolph's Church, Lansdowne Rd, Worthing FATHER Colonel Herbert Augustus Tierney Nepean1 M, #238862, b. 17 April 1839, d. 10 December 1924 Last Edited=15 Jul 2007 Colonel Herbert Augustus Tierney Nepean was born on 17 April 1839.1 He was the son of Rev. Canon Evan Nepean and Anne Fust.2 He married, firstly, Alice Bayley, daughter of Maj.-Gen. James Walker Bayley, on 10 November 1864.1 He and Alice Bayley were divorced in 1878.1 He married, secondly, Agnes Louisa Nisbett, daughter of John More Nisbett and Lady Agnes Dalrymple, on 9 August 1894.2 He died on 10 December 1924 at age 85.2 He gained the rank of Colonel in the Indian Army.1 Children of Colonel Herbert Augustus Tierney Nepean and Alice Bayley Alice Mary Blanchette Nepean2 Brig.-Gen. Herbert Evan Charles Bayley Nepean+2 b. 10 Oct 1865, d. 28 Mar 1951 Captain Francis Molyneux Yorke Nepean2 b. 31 Mar 1868, d. 10 Sep 1915 More Father and family Herbert was born in Chislehurst, Kent, the son of Canon Reverend Evan Nepean and his wife Anne. By 1841, the family were living in Fulham. Herbert was sent to Marlborough College in Wiltshire before joining the Army in 1855. The following year he was in India serving with the 40th Regiment Native Infantry in Madras. In 1858, Herbert was awarded the Indian Mutiny Medal for service during the suppression of the mutiny. He was also promoted to Lieutenant on 12th February. On 10th November 1864, Herbert married Alice Bayley in Cannanore, Madras. Their son Herbert Evan Charles Bayley Nepean was born on 10th October 1865 in Cannanore. Herbert was promoted to Captain on 26th September 1867. At the time he was serving with the Staff Corps in Madras. The family returned to England in 1868 where Francis Molyneux Yorke was born in Westminster on 31st March. A few days before this, Herbert was presented to Edward, Prince of Wales at a gathering at Marlborough House. The family went back to India where on 5th August 1874, a daughter Alice Mary Blanchette was born in Bangalore. Herbert was promoted to Major the following year. By 1877, back in England, Herbert’s marriage had broken down and he began divorce proceedings against Alice citing her adultery with Adam Sedgwick Woolley. After his divorce, Herbert went back to India where he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Between 1885 and 1887, Herbert was in Burma serving with the Burma Field Force in the 3rd Burma War. He was mentioned in dispatches. In 1890, Herbert retired from the Army and returned to England. On 9th August 1894, Herbert married Agnes Louisa More Nisbett in Dundee. The couple lived in Scotland for a while before moving to Worthing, living at “Charlwood Lodge” in Lansdowne Road. On 16th September 1915, Herbert’s son Francis was killed in France. (Herbert donated £100 towards Worthing’s War Memorial Fund in 1921). Herbert died on 10th December 1924. Probate was granted on 17th January 1925 to Agnes Louisa Nepean widow. Effects £642 3s 9d. Agnes later moved to Church Road, Tarring. She died in 1943. |
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CORPORAL Hubert Jessie Parsons (1890-1916)
He was born in 1890 at Minehead and was the son of David John parsons (1852-1933) of Brompton Regis and Mary Ann Parsons nee Morgan (1856-1927) of Minehead. The family home was at 29 Bampton Street, Minehead, and later at 17 Bampton Street, Minehead. His father was a Chimney Sweep.
Herbert had eight siblings:
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In WW1 Hubert enlisted into the Army and served as Private 2164 (Later promoted to Corporal) in the 1st/5th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. His battalion were stationed in India during the early part of the war, before being deployed to Mesopotamia (Iraq). He died of 'war related disease' aged 26 years, on the 13th of April 1916, and was buried at the Kut War Cemetery, Iraq. Plot C.15. He was also commemorated on his brother's grave at Minehead Cemetery, as well as on Minehead's War Memorial.
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PRIVATE Wallace Waterman Parsons (1893-1920)
He was born in 1893 at Minehead and was the son of David John Parsons (1852-1933) of Brompton Regis and Mary Ann Parsons nee Morgan (1856-1927) of Minehead. The family home was at 29 Bampton Street, Minehead, and later at 17 Bampton Street, Minehead. His father was a Chimney Sweep.
Wallace had eight siblings:
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He died, aged 26 years, on the 17th of July 1920 and was buried at plot 1180 in Minehead Cemetery. His brother, Hubert, is also commemorated on his gravestone.
He is commemorated on the Minehead War Memorial. |
SAPPER Harry Passmore (1888-1917)
He was born at Alcombe, Minehead, Somerset, in 1888 and was the son of Richard Passmore (1853 -1919) and Elizabeth Passmore nee Davey (1853-1918) of Alcombe, Minehead. Harry's only sibling was his sister; Amy Passmore (b.1895).
In WW1, whilst visiting Richmond in Yorkshire, he enlisted in the Army to become Sapper 146663 in the 89th Field Company of the Royal Engineers. His unit was, subsequently, deployed to France, and he 'died of wounds' received in action, on the 22nd of March 1917. He was aged 29 years, and was buried at the Avesnes-Le-Comte Communal Cemetery, Avesnes-le-Comte, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France. Plot 11. C. 26. The personal inscription on his gravestone simply says; 'Rest in Peace'. In addition to the Minehead War Memorial he is also commemorated at the church of St Michael the Archangel, Alcombe, with his name and regimental badge within the stained-glass war memorial window. His parents both have their graves at the George Street Cemetery in Dunster, Somerset. |
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CORPORAL Robert Passmore (1883-1915)
His name is missing from Minehead's War Memorial
He was born at Minehead, Somerset, on the 8th of May 1883 and was the son of George Passmore (1853-1915) and Elizabeth Ann Passmore nee Edbrooke (1854-1936) of Minehead, who had married at St Mary Magdalene Church in Taunton, Somerset, on the 19th of June 1875.
Robert had eight siblings:
His battalion were deployed to the Gallipoli Campaign as part of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, embarking at Wellington, New Zealand, on the 16th of October 1914 aboard the SS India Star. The Troops arrived at Suez, Egypt, on the 3rd of December 1914, before being allocated onward travel (via the Greek Island of Mudros) to Gallipoli, Turkey. Robert was killed in action, aged 31 years, on the 25th of April 1915. His body was never identified/recovered, and he is commemorated on Panel 72 of the Lone Pine Memorial at Gallipoli. He is also commemorated on the Auckland War Memorial Museum, World War 1 Hall of Memories. |
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Robert's name appears on the War Memorial at Westbury on Trym, Bristol, as at the time of his death his widowed mother was residing a 26 Cheriton Place, Westbury-on-Trym.
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ABLE SEAMAN William John Paul (1897-1916)
He was born at Minehead, Somerset, on the 5th of March 1897 and was the son of George Paul (1867-1941) and Emma Paul nee Burge (b.1873) of Woodcombe Cottages, Bratton, Minehead. William's father was a Sailor.
Before the war William was an employee of the GPO in Taunton. He was also a member of the Royal Naval Voluntary Reserve. On the 12th of July 1915, William, together with his best friend and neighbour from Woodcombe Cottages; Thomas Dyer, both enlisted into the Howe Battalion of the Royal Naval Division. William became Able Seaman Service Number: Bristol Z/999, whilst his friend; Thomas, became Able Seaman Service Number: Bristol Z/998. The battalion were, subsequently, deployed to France on the 10th of January 1916. The Royal Naval Division was formed at the outbreak of the war from Royal Navy and Royal Marine reservists and volunteers, who were not needed for service at sea. The eight battalions were named after naval commanders, Drake, Benbow, Hawke, Collingwood, Nelson, Howe, Hood and Anson. In 1916, following many losses among the original naval volunteers, the division was transferred to the British Army as the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. William was killed in action, on the13th of November 1916, during the Battle of Ancre. He was aged 19 years and his body was never identified/recovered. He is commemorated on Pier and Face 1 A of the Thiepval Memorial in France, and also on the Minehead War Memorial. |
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Coincidentally, his best friend; Thomas Dyer, died the day after William, having been wounded on the the previous day at the Battle of the Ancre. He was 21 years old.
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PRIVATE Joseph Christopher Wood Perryman (1896-1916)
He was born at Heathfield, Nr Bovey Tracey, Devon, on the 2nd of November 1896, and was the son of Thomas Christopher Perryman (1870-1941) and Matilda Rose Perryman nee Wood (1874-1949), of 11, Haytor View, Heathfield.
During WW1 he enlisted at Taunton, Somerset, into the 6th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, and served as Private 12014. The 6th Battalion of were raised at Taunton in August 1914 as part of Kitchener's New Army and was attached to 43rd Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. They proceeded to France in May 1915 and served on the Western Front throughout the war. Joseph was killed in action during an assault on the German trenches at Gueudecourt, Somme, France, on the 16th of September 1916. He was aged 19 years, and his body was never identified/recovered. He is commemorated on Pier and Face 2A of the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, and on the Bovey Tracey War Memorial. He is also named on the Minehead War Memorial; although his connection to the Somerset seaside town has yet to be established. |
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CAPTAIN James Wilson Pettinger M.B. (1874-1917)
His name is missing from Minehead's War Memorial
He was born in1874, at Chorlton, Moss Side, Manchester, Lancashire, and was one of four children of George William Pettinger (1827-1887) and Sarah Pettinger nee Wilson (b.1838). His father was a Surgeon.
In 1903 James was married to Clara Sophia Risdon (1867-1945) of Old Cleeve, Somerset. She was the daughter of John Risdon (1831-1917) of Timberscombe, and Harriett Risdon (1830-1891) of Washford. In 1903 James and Clara had a son; James Geoffrey Risdon Pettinger. During WW1 James joined they Royal Army Medical Corps, and was gazetted as a Lieutenant on the 25th of June 1915. His military career is currently unknown. He died at home in Minehead (circumstances unknown) on the 6th of October 1917, aged 43 years, and was buried at Minehead Cemetery. He shares a gravesite with his wife; Clara, who died in 1945. |
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PRIVATE Frederick Robert Priscott (1898-1918)
His name is misspelled as 'Prescott' on Minehead's War Memorial
He was born at Selworthy, Somerset, in 1898 and was the son of Robert Priscott (1869-1951) and Agnes Jane Priscott nee Floyde (1866-?), of Coombe Cottage, Timberscombe, Somerset.
In WW1 he enlisted at Minehead to become Private 26782 in the 7th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. On the 30th of November 1917 Frederick was captured in France and made a prisoner of war during 'The Battle of Cambrai'. Also called 'The Cambrai Operations', the battle commenced on the 20th of November 1917 and employed new artillery techniques and massed tanks. Initially it was very successful with large gains of ground being taken, but German reserves brought the advance to a halt. Ten days later, a counter-attack regained much of the ground. Frederick died as a POW in Germany on the 6th of July 1918, aged 20 years. He was buried at Ohlsdorfer Friedhof (Also known as Dutch War Cemetery) Hamburg Cemetery, Germany. Plot VI. A. 15. |
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PRIVATE George Prescott (1878-1918)
He was born at Alcombe, Somerset, (once part of Dunster Parish) in 1878, and was the son of Charles Prescott (1846-1912) of Dunster and Elizabeth Prescott (b.1847) of Minehead. George was the husband of Florence E. Prescott, of 46 Stonehill Street, Liverpool.
In WW1 he served as Private 5465 (Later 252268) of the1st/10th Battalion of the Manchester Regiment. George 'died of wounds' whilst deployed in France, on the 20th of October 1918. He was aged 40 years and was buried at the Belle Vue British Cemetery, Briastre, Nord, France. Plot C. 30. In addition to the Minehead War Memorial he is also commemorated at the church of St Michael the Archangel, Alcombe, with his name and regimental badge within the stained-glass war memorial window. The Roll of Honour book at the church incorrectly dates his death as being on the 23rd of October 1918. |
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SHOEING SMITH Horace Pugsley (1890-1917)
He was born at Cutcombe, Somerset, in 1890 and was the son of Silas Pugsley (1854-1917) of Cutcombe and Sarah Pugsley nee Burge (1851-1933) of Exton, who had their home at Wheddon Cross, Somerset.
Horace had three siblings:
He died of wounds, aged 27 years, on the 27th of June 1917, whilst in Belgium. He was buried at the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, Arrondissement Ieper, West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen), Belgium Plot XV. D. 14. |
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PRIVATE Edwin Joseph Quantick (1900-1918)
He was born at Alcombe, Minehead, in 1900 and was the son of Edley James Quantick (1871-1943) of Littlehempston, Totnes, Devon, and Sarah Ann Quantick nee Winter (1872 - 1947) of Williton, Somerset. His father's occupation was as a Labourer.
Edwin had six siblings:
In WW1 Edwin enlisted at Taunton into the 5th Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment as Private 20823, and was deployed with his Battalion to France. He was killed in action on the 1st of October 1918, aged 18 years. Edwins body was never identified/recovered and he is commemorated on Panel 7 of the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. His name appears on the Minehead War Memorial, and he is also commemorated at the church of St Michael the Archangel, Alcombe, with his name and regimental badge within the stained-glass war memorial window. The church also records his name in the Alcombe Book of Honour. |
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PRIVATE Albert Alexander Quick (1893-1915)
He was born at Minehead in 1893 and was the son of Arthur Quick (1869-1953) of Timberscombe and Mary Howe Quick nee Hooper (1868 - 1958) of Porlock, who in 1915 resided at Stogursey School House Nr Bridgwater. Albert's father was a School Teacher.
His four siblings were: 1. Elsie May Quick (1894 - 1922) 2. Mabel Annie Quick (1896 - 1986) 3. William John Jackie Quick (1897 - 1912) 4. Arthur James Quick (1907 - 1999) During WW1 he enlisted into the West Somerset Yeomanry as Private 1420 and sailed from Liverpool on the RMS Olympic for Gallipoli, Turkey, in September 1915. The West Somerset Yeomanry were attached to the Hussars and saw action at Sulva, where Albert was severely wounded. He was subsequently evacuated by Hospital Ship but succombed to his wounds during the journey home and was buried at Sea near Malta. He was aged 22 years. He is commemorated on Stone No. 20A of the Helles Memorial at Gallipoli, Turkey, and also on the Minehead War Memorial. |
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A memorial plaque for Albert can be found at Minehead Cemetery and has been placed on the grave of his brother: William John Jackie Quick (1897 - 1912) and his maternal Grandparents: James Hooper of Minehead (1845-1932) and Elizabeth Hooper nee Howe of Porlock (1848-1935). It reads: "In Loving Memory of Albert A. Quick. Who gave his life for King and Country. 25th Nov. 1915. Age 22. Buried at Sea Near Malta."
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CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
Frank Rawle
F. RAWLE (FRANK) died 1st July 1916 the Somme aged 31.
LANCE CORPORAL Service Number: 18952 Somerset Light Infantry 8th Bn.
Died 01 July 1916 Age 31 years old Buried or commemorated at GORDON DUMP CEMETERY, OVILLERS-LA BOISSELLE III. R. 1. France
Son of Emily Jane Rawle, of 71, Brampton St., Minehead, Somerset.
Personal Inscription DUTY DONE
Frank Rawle
F. RAWLE (FRANK) died 1st July 1916 the Somme aged 31.
LANCE CORPORAL Service Number: 18952 Somerset Light Infantry 8th Bn.
Died 01 July 1916 Age 31 years old Buried or commemorated at GORDON DUMP CEMETERY, OVILLERS-LA BOISSELLE III. R. 1. France
Son of Emily Jane Rawle, of 71, Brampton St., Minehead, Somerset.
Personal Inscription DUTY DONE
CAPTAIN John Wilkinson Redd (1863-1918)
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
BIRTH Watchet, Somerset 1863 Captain in the Merchant Navy. Lived at "Stoke", Irnham Road, Minehead, Somerset. J.W. REDD (JOHN REDD Captain of Minehead) died on the SV Chrysolite with Hunt, Baker and Martin listed above) ww1 John the Captain of the SV Chrysolite, a three-masted schooner owned by The Anglo-French Coasting Co. Ltd. The ship had left Swansea Docks in Wales on the 3rd of August 1918, bound for Treguier in Brittany, France, with a cargo of coal. On the 6th of August, at Bideford Bay in the Bristol Channel, the ship was in collision with the SS Gerent (a merchant steam ship en-route from Penarth, Wales, to Cherbourg, France, also with a cargo of coal). The Chrysolite was hit and cut through by the stem (or bow) of the Gerent, causing the Chrysolite to "founder with all hands". 54-year-old Captain Redd was drowned and his body was 'lost at sea'. Three other Seaman from the Minehead area were also aboard the Chrysolite, and suffered the same fate: Henry 'Harry' Baker (1899-1918) of Minehead, Clement William Hunt (1901-1918) of Minehead, and Jack Martin (1900-1918) of Minehead. All four men are commemorated on the Minehead Harbour War Memorial. There were a number of hearsay reports made at the time that the 'Chrysolite' had been torpedoed by a German U-Boat. However, these rumours were proved to be false. This was evidenced by an Admiralty court case between the owners of Chrysolite and of the Gerent, that was heard in 1919. |
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CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
Frederick George Reed Born Minehead 1887 Remembered on parent's grave at Minehead Cemetery - memorial only LANCE CORPORAL Service Number: 27733 Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry 6th Bn. Died 19 October 1917 Age 30 years old. Commemorated at TYNE COT MEMORIAL Panel 80 to 82. Belgium Second Son of James Reed (1863-1917) and Mrs. Sarah Reed (1852-1927), of 2, Selbourne 1 Place, Minehead, Somerset. |
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PRIVATE Theodore Slade (1885-1916)
He was born at Buckfastleigh, Devon, in 1885 and was the son of Frederick John Slade (1839- 1912) and Mary Elizabeth Slade nee Wise (1847-1914), who had been married in 1875. His father was a Gunsmith and Piano Tuner, and his mother worked as a Music Teacher. Being a musical family they named their home 'Harmony House' in Irnham Road, Minehead.
Theodore's only sibling was his elder brother; Beethoven Slade (1876-1962), who was employed as a Church Organist and a Music Teacher. He escaped the 1916 conscription into the armed forces as he was already aged 41 (the upper aged limit) when it was introduced in 1916. Theodore, had been the Organist as St Andrew's Church, Minehead, for 12 years. Prior to the war he was also employed as a Music Teacher but enlisted in 1914, becoming Private 4220 in the 4th Reserve Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. He transferred into the 1st Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry and was deployed to France to fight on the Western Front. In late 1915 he was taken ill with consumption (Tuberculosis) and was repatriated back to Britain. He died of Pneumonia at St John's Hospital, Penarth, Wales, on the 23rd of March 1916, aged 31 years. He was buried in the family plot at Minehead Cemetery (Plot 2061) and shares the grave-site with his parents and Auntie; Mary J. Slade, Sister of his Father, who died in 1920. |
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On military records dated 1916 Theodore's next-of-kin was named as his brother; Mr B. Slade of Harmony House, Irnham Road, Minehead.
A memorial plaque inside St Andrew's Church, Minehead, reads: "To the Glory of God and in Memory of Theodore Slade; Private, 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, who gave his life for his country March 23 1916. For twelve years organist to this church." |
PETTY OFFICER Thomas Charles Slade (1880-1917)
He was born at Barton Regis, Bristol, on the 13th of March 1880 and was the son of Robert Charles Slade of Porlock (1849-1929) and Elizabeth Fanny Slade nee Carpenter of Winterbourne, Gloucestershire (1853-1908). The family home was at 14 Woodcombe Cottages, Woodcombe, Minehead, and later at Church Street, Higher Town, Minehead. His father was a Stone Mason, and as a young man Thomas worked as a Gardener.
Thomas joined the Royal Navy in March 1898, risining to the rank of Petty Officer aboard the R-class Destroyer HMS Sturgeon. The ship served in the North Sea as part of the large Harwich Force, which included eight light cruisers, two flotilla leaders and 45 destroyers. HMS Sturgeon’s task was to provide effective scouting and reconnaissance, whilst being able to engage German light forces, and to frustrate attempts at minelaying. The Destroyer had the speed and armament to intercept submarines before they submerged, either by gunfire or by ramming. On the 11th of May 1917 Thomas was severely injured aboard ship when a depth charge exploded prematurely causing a large amount structural damage to the stern of the ship. He was admitted to the Shotley Naval Hospital, Suffolk, where he died on the 6th of June 1917, aged 37 years, from his injuries. He was buried at Plot 1712 of Minehead Cemetery, Somerset. He shares the grave-site with his Nephew; Royal Thomas Allen, who died as an infant in December 1917. |
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PRIVATE Walter William Sparkes (1883-1918)
He was born at Minehead in 1883 and was the eldest child of William Henry Sparkes (1854-1916), a Blacksmith, and Ellen Sparkes nee Paddon (1857-1940), of 1 Middle Street, Minehead.
His six Siblings were: 1. Frederick Sparkes (b.1886) – A Blacksmith 2. Reginald Edward Sparkes (1887-1968) - A Stone Mason 3. Harold Sparkes (1889-1890) 4. Ellen Mary Sparkes (1892-1994) - A Milliner 5. Ada Elizabeth Sparkes (1894 -1937) 7. Hubert Henry Sparkes (b.1898) Prior to the war Walter worked as a Carpenter. He lived with his wife; Mabel (d.1960), and three daughters; Doris, Ada and Vera, at 17, West Street Minehead. He enlisted at Minehead to become Private 35450 in the 1st/5th Battalion of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. He was killed in action at Proville, near Cambria, in France on the 1st of October 1918, aged 35 years, and was buried at Plot I. A. 24. of the Proville British Cemetery, Proville, Departement du Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France. |
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PRIVATE John Stark (1896-1918)
He was born at Selworthy, Somerset, in 1896 and was the fifth of twelve children of Frederick Stark of Dulverton (1867-1923) and Eliza Stark nee Bryant (1871-1933).
His siblings were: 1. Robert Stark (1889-1954) Born at Dulverton. 2. Eva Stark (b.1892) Born at Dulverton. 3. Eliza Stark (1893 - 1960) Born at Winsford. 4. Albert Stark (1894 - 1960) Born at Selworthy. 5. James Stark (b.1897) Born at Exford. 6. Thomas Stark (b.1900) Born at Cutcombe. 7. Henry Stark (b.1901) Born at Cutcombe. 8. Elly Stark (b.1903) Born at Minehead. 9. Dora Stark (b.1906) Born at Minehead. 10. Rose Stark (b.1908) Born at Minehead. 11. Ivy Stark (b.1910) Born at Minehead. In 1910 the family home was at Bratton, Minehead. In WW1 John enlisted at Minehead into the 6th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. He served as Private 10932 and went to France in May 1915 with his Battalion, who served on the Western Front throughout the war. They first took part in 'The Action at Hooge' and at 'The Second Attack on Bellewaarde'. In 1916 they fought at Delville Wood and Flers-Courcelette in the Battles of the Somme, and in 1917 at the Arras Offensive and at The Battle of Passchendaele. |
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On the 21st of March 1918 John, aged 21 years, was reported as Missing, presumed 'killed in action'. His body was never identified/recovered, and he is commemorated on Panel 25 and 26 of the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France. At home in Somerset he is commemorated on the Minehead War Memorial and also on his Father's gravestone at Minehead Cemetery.
His brother; Albert Stark, enlisted during in WW1 and served as a Driver in the Army Service Corps (Service No. R4/139930). After the death of her husband in 1923, John's mother; Eliza Stark, moved to reside at 3 Banks Street, Minehead. She died in 1933, aged 62 years. |
PRIVATE Charles Harries Thomas (1891-1917)
He was born at Cadleigh, near Tiverton, Devon, in 1891 and was the son of James Thomas (1836-1920) and Jane Thomas nee Harries (1855-1934) of Hindon Farm, Minehead, (located between Minehead and Selworthy). His only known sibling was his younger brother; Arthur Thomas (1893-1914).
In WW1 Charles enlisted at Minehead into the 8th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, as Private 27674. The Battalion were posted to France, landing at Le Havre on the 10th of September 1915 and deploying to the Western Front. They were at ‘The Battle of Loos’ 25th Sept. - 8th Oct. 1915, and at ‘The Battle of the Somme’ from the 8th of July 1916. Charles was killed in action on the first day of ‘The Battle of Passchendaele’, also called ‘The Third Battle of Ypres’, on the 31st of July 1917, aged 26 years. His body was never identified/recovered and he is commemorated on Panel 21 of the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres, Belgium. |
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His name is also commemorated on the War Memorial in his home town of Minehead, Somerset, and, additionally, on his brother’s and parent’s grave at Minehead Cemetery.
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PRIVATE Arthur Moyle Tudball (1893-1920)
Baptised at Minehead 26 May 1893 son of William James Tudball (1865-1943 & Mary Tudball nee Moyle (1859-1921) who married in 1885.
Father was a Labourer. address 95 Bampton Street, Minehead, Somerset Service Number: Private 2355 SLI and later 240736. 2nd/5th Bn. Somerset Light Infantry Died 24 February 1920 aged 26 at Taunton (war related illness, prob TB) Buried at MINEHEAD CEMETERY Plot No.1335 on 27th Feb 1920 |
PRIVATE Frederick Charles Tudball (1900-1918)
He was born at Minehead in 1899 and was the son of William Charles Tudball of Minehead (1870 -1950) and Clara Tudball nee Pope of Wootton Courtney (1872-1935), who had married in 1894. His father was a Builder. Frederick's only sibling was elder sister: Alice May Tudball (1895-1961), and the family resided at 55 Summerland Avenue, Minehead.
During WW1 he enlisted into the Army and served as Private 40165 in the 1st Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, which fought on the western front throughout the entire period of the war. Frederick 'Died of wounds' on the 14th of May 1918, aged 19 years. He was buried at Plot LXV. B. 26. of the Etaples Military Cemetery at Etaples, France. At his home in Minehead he is commemorated on the Minehead War Memorial, and also with an inscription on his parent's grave at Minehead Cemetery. |
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Captain Claude Henry Slade Vaudrey (1882-1916)
not on Minehead war memorial Record: VAUDREY, Additional information: Son of Sir William Henry Vaudrey, Kt., and Lady Vaudrey; husband of Harriet Gladys Vaudrey (now Mrs. Lees, of "Cornwall," Warden Rd., Minehead, Somerset. Cemetery: AMARA WAR CEMETERY Cemetery/memorial reference: XXI. E. 17. BIRTH Salford 3RD JUNE 1882 Captain Reserve of Officers Manchester Regiment Captain Manchester Regiment 3rd battalion, manchest Battalion DEATH War Related Sickness Died from cholera contracted on active service Mesopotamia Iraq 2ND MAY 1916 BURIALAmara War Cemetery CWGC Cemetery/Memorial Iraq CWGC reference: XXI. E. 17. |
SERJEANT Frederick Joseph Webber (1887-1918)
He was born in West Ham, London, in 1888 and was the son of Frederick John Webber of Brompton Regis (1863-1933) and Etty Frances Webber nee Chilton of Bromley by Bow, Middlesex, (1863-1940). Frederick’s Father had been a Policeman, rising to the rank of Inspector in the Metropolitan Police, before retiring and returning to Somerset. However, in the war years his Father returned to a form of official duties by working for the Ministry of Labour in Quirke Street, Minehead.
Frederick's siblings were: 1. William T. Webber (1885-1961) 2. Ethel Mary Webber (b.1886) 3. Henry James Webber (1889-1916) 4. Harriet Esther Webber (1890-1959) 5. Edith Emma Webber (1892-1948) 6. Annie Webber (b.1894) 7. Florence Sarah Webber (b.1895) 8. Winifred Webber (b.1907) The family residence was at ‘Homeland’, 8 Cher Steep, Minehead. On the 20th of February 1916, at Hounslow, Middlesex, Frederick married Annie Rebecca Prickett (1890-1979). She was the daughter of Henry John Prickett (1867-1951) and Ann Eliza Prickett nee Sutton (1868–1922 ). The couple made their home at Isleworth, Middlesex. In WW1 he enlisted at Kilburn, Middlesex, into the 1st Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment 'The Die Hards' as Private G/10448, and rose to the rank of Serjeant. Frederick was killed in action, on the 29th of September 1918, at 'The Battle of the St. Quentin Canal' in France. It commenced at 3.30 a.m. under an intense artillery barrage. At first all three of the attacking battalions of the 1st Middlesex, the 4th King's and the 2nd Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, all reported progress. The village of Villers-Guislain was stormed and partially cleared of the enemy. The Middlesex met with strong opposition and "B" Company, after capturing 200 Germans, found itself surrounded and cut off. Although a British victory, it cost the 1st Middlesex 4 officers and 71 other ranks killed, 2 officers and 143 other ranks wounded. |
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Frederick was aged 31 years at the time of his death. He was buried at Plot I.D.16 at the Villers Hill British Cemetery, Villers-Guislain, Departement du Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France. The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: "NEVER FORGOTTEN FRED. AT HOMELAND, MINEHEAD"
Frederick is commemorated on the Minehead War Memorial, together with his brother; Henry James Webber, who served as a Private in the 7th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. He was badly wounded at the Somme in 1916 and, although repatriated to hospital in England, died from his injuries on the 1st of November 1916. He is buried at Minehead Cemetery. Frederick's widow; Annie, married for a second time around 1925, becoming the wife of Oliver Little (1889-1965). She died in 1979 aged 89 years. |
PRIVATE Henry James Webber (1889-1916)
He was born in London in 1889 and was the son of Frederick John Webber of Brompton Regis (1863-1933) and Etty Frances Webber nee Chilton of Bromley by Bow, Middlesex, (1863-1940). Henry’s Father had been a Policeman, rising to the rank of Inspector in the Metropolitan Police, before retiring and returning to Somerset. However, in the war years his Father returned to a form of official duties by working for the Ministry of Labour in Quirke Street, Minehead.
Henry's siblings were: 1. William T. Webber (1885-1961) 2. Ethel Mary Webber (b.1886) 3. Frederick Joseph Webber (1887-1918) 4. Harriet Esther Webber (1890-1959) 5. Edith Emma Webber (1892-1948) 6. Annie Webber (b.1894) 7. Florence Sarah Webber (b.1895) 8. Winifred Webber (b.1907) The family residence was at ‘Homeland’, 8 Cher Steep, Minehead. Prior to the war Henry became a Fishmonger in Taunton, residing at 46 Greenway Road, Taunton. In WW1 he enlisted at Taunton into the 7th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry as Private 27257. The 7th Battalion were sent France on the 24th of July 1915, landing at Boulogne and then deploying to the Western Front. Henry was severely wounded at the Somme in October 1916 and repatriated back to England where he was admitted to the 1st Southern General Military Hospital in Birmingham. |
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He died of his wounds on the 1st of November 1916, aged 27 years, and was buried at Plot CE. 1230. at Minehead Cemetery. The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: “Died of wounds. He gave all.”
Henry’s elder brother; Frederick, served as a Serjeant in the 1st Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment. He was killed in action at the Battle of the St. Quentin Canal in 1918, and is buried Villers Hill British Cemetery, Villers-Guislain, Departement du Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France. |
WW2
Henry Edward George Ames (1917-1945)
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
Henry Edward George Ames BIRTH 1917 DEATH 4 Apr 1945 Age 28 years old
SERJEANT HENRY EDWARD GEORGE AMES Service Number: 1645284 Royal Army Ordnance Corps Army Film Unit.
Buried or commemorated at JONKERBOS WAR CEMETERY Netherlands Plot 6. D. 6.
Son of Henry James George and Elizabeth Emily Ames; husband of Kathleen Margaret Ames, of Alcombe, Minehead, Somerset.
Personal Inscription on grave ALWAYS LOVING, SMILING, LOVED, RESPECTED WHEREVER HE WENT. LOVING MEMORIES LEFT
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
Henry Edward George Ames BIRTH 1917 DEATH 4 Apr 1945 Age 28 years old
SERJEANT HENRY EDWARD GEORGE AMES Service Number: 1645284 Royal Army Ordnance Corps Army Film Unit.
Buried or commemorated at JONKERBOS WAR CEMETERY Netherlands Plot 6. D. 6.
Son of Henry James George and Elizabeth Emily Ames; husband of Kathleen Margaret Ames, of Alcombe, Minehead, Somerset.
Personal Inscription on grave ALWAYS LOVING, SMILING, LOVED, RESPECTED WHEREVER HE WENT. LOVING MEMORIES LEFT
Frank William Axon (1901-1945)
He was born at Woolwich on the 10th of September 1901, and baptised at St Margaret's Church, Plumstead, on the 13th of October 1901. Frank was the eldest child of William Henry Axon (1868–1940) and Louisa Axon nee Mason (1877–1937). His father was a Milkman on a dairy farm and general labourer, and during WW1 had served in the Army Remounts Service, - the body that was responsible for the purchase and training of horses and mules for the British Army. Frank's siblings were: Kathleen Annie Axon (1904-1984), Martin John Axon (1905-1925), Gwendoline Martha Axon (1908-1983), Nolan Henry Axon (1910-1980), and Leslie Kendall Axon (1914-2004), and the family home was at 73 Bampton Street, Minehead. In 1927 Frank married Catherine Agnes Bartram, and they made their home at 36 Poundfield Road, Minehead. His military record shows that at the time of his death he was serving as T/2205875 F.W.Axon. Company Quartermaster Serjeant of the Royal Army Service Corps. He died aged 43 years on the 19th of February 1945, at Bristol, and is buried at Minehead Cemetery. |
Clifford John Bailey (1913-1943)
He was born in Minehead on the 6th of February 1913 and was the son of Alfred John Bailey (1886-1964) and Elizabeth Annie Bailey nee Criddle (1888-1956). His father was a stonemason and bricklayer. Clifford had three siblings: Winifred Phyllis Bailey (1921–1993), Doris May Bailey (1923–2002), and Rose Lilian Bailey (1925–1989). The family home was at 10 meadow Road, Minehead, and before WW2 Clifford was employed as a Plumber and Hot Water fitter. When war came, he joined the Army and served as 2665367 Guardsman C.J.Bailey of the 3rd Battalion of the Coldstream Guards. He was involved in the North Africa Campaign and then the 3rd Battalion were redeployed to Italy, where, on the 10th of September 1943, they landed at Salerno as part of the 201st Guards Brigade. For the first four days they were involved in heavy and confused fighting until establishing themselves in the line of a canal four miles inland. At around Noon on the 25th of September 1943 Clifford's Battalion were brought in to mount an attack on Hill 270, North of Salerno, using thick trees as cover to infiltrate the bottom of the hill. As they left the woods German machine gunners opened fire, causing 120 casualties, including Clifford who was killed in action. He was 30 years of age and was buried at the Salerno War Cemetery (Plot IV.F.43) |
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Edward 'Ted' Sidney Baker (1914-1942)
He was born at West Buckland, Somerset, on the 21st of November 1914, and baptised at St Mary's Church, West Buckland, on the 27th of December 1914. He was the son of Edward Baker (1889-1957) and Emily Baker nee Conibere (1891-1963). His father was a bricklayer and labourer. In 1936, in the County of Essex, he married Hilda Florence Turner (1910-1990) and the couple set-up home at 'Foxrocks', Woodcombe, Minehead, where, in the 1939 Census, Edward 'Ted' was shown as being employed as a Grocer's assistant. They had three children: Elizabeth Ann Baker (Born 1937 in Essex), Edward C. 'Teddy' Baker (Born 1941 at Minehead), and a third child (Details currently unknown). When war came he joined the Army and served as 5442579 Lance Corporal E.S.Baker of the 1st Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. After deployment in Iraq the 1st Battalion left Taji on May 17th, 1942 and started out on a cross desert route to Egypt. They arrived south west of Tobruk on June 5th 1942 and were immediately tasked with moving towards the front where the Germans were attacking. The situation was confused and desperate; essentially troops were thrown into battle piecemeal. As a result, with an air of sad inevitability, there were a high number of casualties with a significant proportion of men also being taken as prisoners. Despite reinforcement and a small number continuing to fight during the retreat to El Alamein, the 1st Battalion was effectively eradicated in Tobruk. Edward Sidney Baker was killed in action at Tobruk on the 5th of June 1942, aged 27 years. His body was never recovered/identified. His name is remembered on Column 61 of the Alamein Memorial, Markaz Al Alamein, Matrouh, Alamein, Egypt. On the 12th of May 1950 his widow; Hilda Florence Baker, married Reginald F. Martin (1919–1983). She died at Weston Super Mare in 1990. |
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Reginald Richard Baldwin (1906-1941)
He was born at Plymouth, Devon, on the 20th of March 1906 and baptised at the Church of St Peter and The Holy Apostles, Plymouth, on the 5th of April 1906. Reginald was the son of Albert Morrish Baldwin (1877-1974) and Kate Baldwin nee Goodyear (1878–1955). His father was a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Navy. Reginald had seven siblings: Violet Mary Baldwin (1899–1925), Albert William John Baldwin (1902–1974), Margarite Georgina Baldwin (1903–?), Ivy Alice Louisa Baldwin (1908–2000), Rose W. Baldwin (1911–1986), Gerald Morrish Baldwin (1916–2002), and Myrtle Gladys Baldwin (1920–1990). The family home was 62 Union Place, Stonehouse, Plymouth. In 1926 at Minehead he married Frances Amy Moggridge (1905-1995) and the couple had three children: Reginald N F Baldwin (1926–1929), Geoffrey Baldwin (1928–2008), and Raymond John Baldwin (1930–2006).During WW2 Reginald served in the Royal Navy as Petty Officer Stoker D/KX80314 R.R.Baldwin aboard the light cruiser HMS Gloucester. He was 'Killed in Action', aged 35, on the 22nd of May 1945 when his ship was attacked and sunk by German Stuka Bombers whilst it was sailing North of the Island of Crete, Greece. See: HMS Gloucester - the story of her sinking and the Battle for Crete. (world-war.co.uk) Note: His widow and children were living at Bridgwater, Somerset, at the time of Reginald's death |
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Eric Arthur Barsby (1915-1941)
He was born in Minehead on the 25th of March 1915 and was the son of Thomas Barsby (1872-1955) and Emily Barsby nee Bray (1871-1972) of 23 Tregonwell Road, Minehead. During WW1 his father served in the 61st Squadron of the Army Remounts Service, and later as a Boarding House Proprietor. Eric's three siblings were: Lilian Emily Barsby (1902–1969), Robert Thomas Barsby (1905–1980), and Hilda Bernice Mary Barsby (1913–2003). He was educated at Taunton School and immediately prior to WW2 was residing in Ealing, Middlesex, and employed as an Electric Motor Fitter. At the start of the war, he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as 84318 Serjeant E.A.Barsby, and immediately applied for a commission. He was appointed to the rank of probationary Pilot Officer on the 24th of August 1940 and promoted to the rank of Flying Officer on the 24th of August 1941, later promoted to Flight Lieutenant. He was based with 51 Squadron at RAF Dishforth in the North Riding of Yorkshire, and on the 31st of October 1941 was piloting his Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mark V Bomber (Z9141) on a bombing mission to Germany. Taking off at 17.39hrs, with 5 aircrew members aboard, the target was the Blohn and Voss Shipyards in Hamburg. The Whitley was one of a force of 123 aircraft all assigned to this particular operation. At 21.36hrs Z9141 transmitted the signal, "Operation Completed", and changed direction for the return flight back to England. But a German night fighter (Piloted by Oberleutnant Paul Gildner) attacked and shot down the aircraft, causing it to crash on a sandbar in the Wadden Sea near Polder de Eendracht on The Netherlands' Island of Texel. The entire crew of five airmen perished in the crash. The four other crewmembers being: RAFVR Sergeant Jack Harris KNIGHT, RCAF Sergeant Vincent SATIRE, RNZAF Pilot Officer Stanley David STEEL, and RCAF Flight Sergeant Eric WARBURTON. All five men were buried in graves beside each other at the Texel (den Burg) Cemetery in the Netherlands (Plot K. Row 4. Coll. graves 76A-79). Eric was aged 26 years. NOTE: His parents and brother have their graves at Minehead Cemetery. |
Percy Herbert 'Perc' Beckett (1916-1941)
Named after his uncle TROOPER Percy ' Perc' Hamlin Beckett (1889-1915) who was killed in action at Gallipoli in 1915. He was born in Minehead on the 13th of December 1916 and was the son of Stanley Tom Perkins Beckett (1891–1943) and Dorothy Alice Beckett, later Pitts-Crick, nee May (1893-1976) of Cavendish House, The Parade, Minehead. His father ran his own Drapery business. Prior to the war Percy worked as an Accountant and ran his business in Bridgwater, Somerset. In 1941 he married Cicely Mary Rollason Berry, later Ross (1920-?). During WW2 Percy joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve and trained to become 902554 Fight Sergeant P.H.Beckett of 40 Squadron based at RAF Alconbury near Huntingdon. On the 11th of May 1941 he was the Air Gunner of Wellington Bomber R1330 that took off from RAF Alconbury at 22.25hrs on a bombing mission to Hamburg, Germany. The other members of the crew were: Captain and Pilot; Sergeant R. W. Finlayson (RNZAF), Co-Pilot; Sergeant J. B. Murray, Observer; Sergeant D. Fletcher, Wireless Operator and Gunner; Sergeant H. C. Tuckwell, and Wireless Operator & Gunner; Sergeant J. Shaw.At around 01.40hrs on the 12th of May 1941 the aircraft was coned by searchlights and shot down by night fighter Pilot Oberleutnant Helmut Lent of the 6./NJG 1, who was flying Bf 110 E-2 G9+CP from Schleswig airfield. The Wellington crashed near Suderstapel, Germany and all but one of the crew were killed. Flt. Sgt. James Shaw being the only survivor, and who parachuted from the aircraft, captured on landing, and became a POW. All the other members of the crew were buried at Kiel War Cemetery, Germany, where Percy has his grave at Plot 4.C.1. The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: 'HE, AS HE FLEW, PASSED DEATH UPON THE WING- THEN, DEATHLESS ROSE TO IMMORTALITY'. NOTE: In 1946 his widow remarried at Taunton to Robert W, Ross. She was last known to be living at 43, Manor Orchard, Taunton, in 2003. |
R.C. Bentley
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
WW2
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
WW2
James Bowden (1916-1943)
He was born in Minehead in 1916 and was the illegitimate son of Florence Bowden, later Dare, (1895-1988). She was the daughter of Samuel Bowden (1864-1926), an Agricultural Labourer from Williton. In 1941 James married Betty Anita Land, later Jones, (1920-1999). Also in 1941 James joined the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment), service number 6458275. In 1943 his regiment were deployed in North Africa, and James had gained the rank of Serjeant. He was involved in the Battle of Tunisia, which was a series of battles that took place in Tunisia between Axis and Allied forces from the 17th of November 1942 to the 13th of May 1943 . He was killed in action during the final drive for Tunis on the 24th of April 1943 and was buried at Massicault War Cemetery, Tunisia, (PLOT 11 K 17). NOTE: In 1943 his widow, Betty, was residing at Haselmere, Surrey. In 1945 she remarried to Harry A. Jones of Fakenham, Norfolk. She died in 1999 and is buried at Minehead Cemetery. |
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Reginald Charles James Bushen (1912-1942)
He was born at Minehead on the 21st of May 1912 and baptised on the 7th of June 1912. He was the son of William Edwin Bushen (1880-1958) and Ellen Bushen nee Willis (1879-1955). He had one sibling: Harold Edwin Bushen (1901–1978), and the family home was at 25 Quay Street, Minehead. Reginald's father was employed as a Council Labourer, whilst in 1939 Reginald himself was employed as a Heavy Transport Driver. He also volunteered with the Minehead Auxiliary Fire Service. During WW2 he joined the Royal Naval Patrol Service as LT/JX 242112 Seaman R.C.J. Bushen and served on the H.M. Trawler 'Ullswater'. On the night of the 19th of November 1942 HMT Ullswater (FY 252) was on protection detail, escorting a convoy in the English Channel from Southampton to Swansea. At around 3am, about 5 miles Southeast of the Eddystone Lighthouse, the convoy was attacked by a pack of 6 E-boats (German motor torpedo boats). The attack was devastating, and three cargo ships were hit and sunk: The SS Lab, the SS Yewforest, and the SS Birgitte. The crew of HMT Ullswater acted bravely in going in close to assist the stricken SS Yewforest as its' crew 'abandoned ship'. It was then that the Ullswater herself was hit by an acoustic torpedo strike near the stern, causing catastrophic damage. She sank immediately, killing her 27 crew, including Reginald. He was aged 30 Years. As well as upon Minehead's War Memorial, he is commemorated on the Minehead Harbour Memorial, and also the LOWESTOFT NAVAL MEMORIAL (Panel 8, Column 3) at Sparrow's Nest, Lowestoft, Suffolk. |
Rowland John Bushen (1917-1944)
He was born in Minehead on the 2nd of February 1917 and was the son of James Fry Bushen (1873–1936) and Jane Ann Bushen nee Willis (1874–1937). His father was a Sailor on Merchant Sailing Vessels. Rowland had five siblings: Florence Ellen Fry Bushen (1900–1987), Harriet Elizabeth Bushen (1902–1973), Lilian May Bushen (1905–1978), Wilfred James Bushen (1909–1976), and Vera Irene Bushen (1911–1939). Before the war Rowland's profession was as a Haulage Contractor, and on the 6th of May 1939 he married Alice Margaret Phillips (1917–1955). The couple resided at 7 Quay Street, Minehead, and on the 3rd of September 1939 they had a daughter: Janet Margaret Bushen (1939-1940), who died as an infant. During WW2 he served as a Driver in the Royal Army Service Corps as T/171176 Dvr. R.J.Bushen. He was killed near Rome, Italy, on the 26th of July 1944, aged 27 years, and buried at ROME WAR CEMETERY (Plot II, B, 6.). The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. NOTE: In 1946 his widow was remarried to Alexander G.Rawle (1912-1964). She died in 1955. |
Arthur James 'Bill' Cane (1914-1941)
Sometimes referred to as William Arthur James Cane, and known as 'Bill', he was born at Minehead on the 16th of March 1914 and baptised on the 8th of April 1914. He was the son of Walter George Cane (1887-1963) and Ada Cane nee Pickford (1889-1969). His father was Stonemason's Labourer. In 1938 he married Irene Betts (1916-?), and the couple resided at 26 Fownes Road, Minehead, and Arthur was employed as a Hotel Gardener. In 1939 he joined the 563rd Coast Regiment of the Royal Artillery as 1083136 Gunner A.J. Cane. In 1940 he was deployed at Deal Castle in Kent as part of 337 battery. The battery was commissioned in May 1940 for defence against enemy aircraft and ships. It had two mounted 6-inch ex-naval guns, a battery observation post and accommodation. The camouflaged gun emplacements were positioned directly in front of Deal Castle. Arthur was killed due to enemy action on the 19th of July 1941, when Deal Castle was bombed by German aircraft. He was aged 27 years and was buried at Minehead Cemetery. NOTE: His widow; Irene was remarried on the 2nd of May 1946 to Dennis H. Fletcher. |
PILOT OFFICER Cyril Dinham Chant (1916-1942)
He was born on the 7th of February 1916 at Waterrow, nr Wiveliscombe, Somerset, and was the son of Thomas William Chant (1886–1964) and Lillian Annie Reed Chant (1886–1923). His father was a School Master and had been in the Royal Army Medical Corps during WW1, and an ARP Warden during WW2. Cyril had two siblings: Maurice Dinham Chant (1914-1998), and Ursula Dinham Chant (1917-2011). He was educated at the University of London where he gained his M.sc (Master of Science) and in 1941 Cyril joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and served as 73124 Pilot Officer C.D.Chant. During 1942 he was based with No23 Operational Training Unit at RAF Pershore in Worcestershire. He was killed, aged 26 years, on the 24th of June 1942, when the Wellington Bomber he was the Observer in crashed during a training flight: The aircraft (Vickers Wellington Bomber L7891) took off from its base at Pershore at 16.55 hours for a cross-country training flight. At 18.35 hours the Aircraft dived from 3,000 feet and crashed as a consequence of the dinghy breaking from its stowage and fouling the controls. All five crew members were killed. Wreckage was spread over a wide are to the west of Tiddington, Wheatley, South Oxfordshire. The main impact point is today located within the grounds of Waterstock Golf Club. The other members of the crew were: Pilot: F/Sgt Charles George MacDonald R.C.A.F. R/76973 Wireless Operator: P/O Arthur Walter Smith R.A.F.V.R. 88729 Air Gunner: P/O Lloyd George Morrison R.C.A.F. J/9634 Navigator: Sgt Francis William Sims R.A.F.V.R. 1117538 Cyril was buried at Minehead Cemetery. (His father and stepmother, Florence, were residing at 42 Paganel Road, Minehead, at the time). |
J. Chapman
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
WW2
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
WW2
Herbert Kenneth Daniel (1909-1942)
He was the son of Herbert Garfield Daniel (1885-1969) and Ada Lillian Daniel nee Yeo (1882-1945), of Cardiff. His father was a schoolmaster. In 1935, at Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, he married Janet Matilda Anne Bull (1911-2000), and they made their home at 44 Paganel Road, Minehead. In the 1939 census Herbert was shown as being employed as a Bank Clerk. He was also a member the local Civil Defence Corps as an ARP Warden. He joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve as 114733 and gained the rank of Pilot Officer. In 1942 he was stationed at No.3 Radio School at RAF Prestwick in Scotland. On the 19th of April 1942, as the Observer during a training flight, his Avro Anson (DG861) suffered structural failure of the Tailplane and Wings during a dive. It broke up in air, crashing approximately one mile south of Maybole, Ayrshire. It was reported that the aircraft was seen to lose a wing during the dive, with parts of the aircraft and bodies of the crew falling onto the service road between Thornbrook Farm, Maybole, and also between the smallholdings and Deanmill Farm, Maybole. The other members of the crew, who were also killed, were: Leading Aircraftman the Rev. William Godfrey GORTON (1412875) Leading Aircraftman Anthony George HAWES (1395105) Leading Aircraftman Francis Owen HOGG (1465762) Pilot Officer Henry Harding WANT (119874) Herbert was aged 32 years and was buried at the Cardiff (Cathays) Cemetery (Plot: Section E.G. Grave 1873). |
Herbert James Davis (1915-1940)
He was born on the 10th of December 1915 at 'South View', Oxenpill, Meare, nr Glastonbury, and was the son of William Davis (1884–1953) and Beatrice Jane Davis nee Whitcombe (1887–1955). His siblings were: William John Davis (1912–1975), and Edna May Davis (1914–2006). Herbert's father's profession was as a Turf Cutter and was probably employed by his father (Herbert's Grandfather) who was a Turf Merchant. In WW2 Herbert joined the Royal Navy and served as D/KX 86121 Stoker 1st Class. He was part of the ships company of HMS Narwhal, a Grampus-class mine-laying submarine. The Narwhal left the submarine base at Blyth, Northumbria, on the 22nd of July 1940 bound for the coast around Kristiansund in occupied Norway. The German Navy had broken some of the Royal Navy's codes and, knowing the likely route Narwhal would take across the North Sea, dispatched the Luftwaffe to intercept. On the afternoon of the 23rd of July, a German Dornier aircraft, piloted by Oberleutnant Bernhard Müller, reported attacking a submarine in the area where Narwhal should have been. The Germans believed it to be HMS Porpoise but as the Narwhal did not report again, it was assumed this attack sank her, taking the 59 crew to a watery grave. 77 years later, in 2017, the wreck was discovered sitting upright on the seabed about 300ft down around 150 miles east of Edinburgh. Bomb damage to the boat's hull, between the conning tower and stern, matched the description in the German bomber crew's combat report. The Royal Navy had previously presumed the loss of the Narwhal and its crew to be due to hitting a mine off of Kristiansund on the 1st of August 1940.Herbert was aged 24 years when he died. He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial (Panel 41, Column 1). However, one mystery remains: Herbert's connection to Minehead? and why his name appears on the Town's War Memorial? |
Marcus David Donati (1915-1941)
He was born in Porlock in 1915 and was the son of Adrian William Donati (1874-1956) and Florence Maud Donati nee Shadwick (1884-1980). His four siblings were: Edward William Donati (1909–1985), Adrian Cecil Donati (1911–1911), Adrian Victor Donati (1916–2005), and Raymond Francis Donati (1919–2010). Before retirement his father had been Manager & Accountant to a firm of Building Material & Coal Merchants. Marcus joined the Royal Navy in December 1937 as a Sub Lieutenant in the Royal Fleet Air Arm and trained as a Pilot. On the 21st of August 1939 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and in October 1939 joined the newly formed 816 Squadron flying Fairey Swordfish Mk.1 aircraft aboard the Aircraft Carrier HMS Furious. The squadron had been formed aboard HMS Furious in October 1939 with 9 Fairey Swordfish aircraft for anti-submarine duties whilst escorting the Canadian convoys. HMS Furious was in action in the defence of Norway during the German invasion in April 1940, with the squadron making the first airborne torpedo attack of the war. On the 12th of April 1940 they were in action at the Battle of Narvik, Norway, but on return to HMS Furious the Aircraft Carrier pitched in the heavy seas as Marcus tried to land his aircraft. His aircraft went over the side and Marcus was in the sea for 45 minutes, in sea temperatures of 28F, until being rescued and picked up by the Destroyer; HMS Hero. With the fall of the Low Countries and evacuation of France, the squadron were required to briefly operate from Jersey, before reembarking on HMS Furious in June 1940. They were again in action during September of 1940 when the Squadron attacked the German Battleship Scharnhorst with Torpedoes. On the 22nd of September 1940 five aircraft were lost in an attack on shipping at Trondheim, Norway, and a month later the squadron bombed fuel storage tanks at Tromso, Norway. In January 1941 Marcus, together with another 20 Officers and 121 Ratings of the Fleet Air Arm, were posted to HMS Goshawk - 'Goshawk' being the name of the Royal Naval Air Station in Trinidad. Their task being to protect convoys leaving the West Indies for England. The men embarked at Liverpool aboard the SS Almeda Star for the journey to Trinidad. On the 17th of January, in an area about 35 miles northeast of Rockall, the ship was attacked by a German U-Boat. At 05.08 hours U-96 spotted the unescorted Almeda Star and at 07.45 hours fired a torpedo that hit amidships and brought the Almeda Star to a stop. Two further torpedoes were fired at 08.05 and 09.07 hours, but as the Almeda Star still did not sink, the U-boat surfaced to shell the ship. The Germans observed four lifeboats and saw people still on deck before opening fire from 09.32 to 09.48 hours, hitting with the ship with about 15 of 28 incendiary shells fired. Only small fires were started which soon went out, so another torpedo was fired at 09.55 hours. The torpedo hit the forepart and caused her to sink by the bow within three minutes. Seven Royal Navy Destroyers were ordered to search the area but found no survivors. The master, 136 crew members, 29 gunners and 194 passengers were all lost. Marcus was aged 25 years, and in addition to the Minehead War Memorial, he is also commemorated on the Fleet Air Arm Memorial at Lee-on-Solent (Bay 1, Panel 7.) |
Phillip Geoffrey Dovell (1902-1940)
He was born on the 4th of August 1902 at Crowcombe, Somerset, and baptised at the Church of The Holy Ghost in Crowcombe on the 21st of September 1902. He was the son of Joseph Dovell (1865–1953) and Harriet Richord Dovell nee Smyth (1864- ?). His father was a Farmer at Hurley Farm, Crowcombe, and later at Washford. Phillip had three siblings: Reginald John Knill Dovell (1889–1981), Gwendoline Isabel Dovell (1892–1951), and Joseph Leslie Dovell (1899–1984). In 1929 Phillip married Daisy Olive Tazewell (1899–1981) and the couple made their home at 'Hillside', 3 Hemp Gardens, Minehead, and Phillip was employed as a Bank (Sub-Branch) Manager in the town. He was also a member of Minehead's Auxiliary Fire Service. On the 25th of November 1940 Fireman Dovell was on duty as part of the Crew sent from Minehead to assist in Bristol due to the Two-Day Blitz of the City by the Luftwaffe. The Fire Engine had reached Bedminster on the City outskirts when it was in collision with a lorry, throwing Fireman Dovell from the Engine, and sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed to hospital but died the following day. He was aged 38 years. He was buried at Minehead Cemetery and commemorated on the Minehead War Memorial. In later years a memorial plaque has also been placed at Minehead Fire Station. |
Thomas 'Tom' Escott (1895-1941)
He was born in Minehead on the 25th of October 1895 and baptised on the 22nd of November 1895. He was the son of James Escott (1869-1908) and Clara Escott nee Slade (1872-1950). His father was a Mariner (Sailor) and the family home was at 17 Quay Street. Thomas' only sibling was his twin brother: John Escott (1895-1972).The 1911 census showed that following his father's death in 1908 Thomas and his brother remained with their widowed mother at 17 Quay Street and, at that time, Thomas was employed as an apprentice carpenter. In 1921 he married Ethel Irene Thorne (1902-1991) and the couple made their home at 37 Queens Road, Minehead, where they ran a 'Boarding House'. In the 1939 census Thomas' occupation was shown as being a House Painter. He was also a Shore Signaller for the Minehead Lifeboat, and had joined the town's Auxiliary Fire Service at the beginning of the war. On the 17th of December 1941 two objects had been reported partially floating and sticking out of the mud at low tide in Blue Anchor Bay. It was believed to be the tip of an aircraft wing or fuselage, and Admiral Casement, the local Naval Officer with responsibility for the area, ordered an investigation to see what it was. He asked for assistance from the Minehead Lifeboat. However, Mr. Lawrence, the Honorable Secretary of the Minehead lifeboat, refused the use of the lifeboat to investigate aircraft wreckage, but did ask two members of the Lifeboat Service: John 'Jack' Slade (Coxswain of the Minehead Lifeboat) and his cousin: Thomas Escott, to see what the object was by using Slade's own fishing boat "The Mouette". On the 18th of December the two men set-out in John Slade's motor launch and, as they approached, they saw what looked like wreckage projecting from the sea. What they couldn't have known was the object wasn't part of an aircraft but an immensely powerful magnetic parachute mine, packed with enough high-explosive to sink a ship. Observers reported seeing one of the men lean over and touch the object with a boat hook, possibly to hook a rope around it. There was a sudden blinding flash and a shattering explosion that could be heard across the town, and both men were killed instantly. John Slade was aged 56 when he died, Tom Escott was ten years younger. Whilst John's body was never found, Tom's remains were discovered on the foreshore of Blue Anchor Bay on the 27th of December. The Mouette's nameboard and tiller were washed ashore and are now kept in the Lifeboat House on the Quay as part of a special display honouring the two men. Both men were part of the close-knit Quaytown seafaring community and Thomas was also a respected member of the local Fire Service. He was given a fireman's funeral in St Andrew's Church, Minehead, where he had been a member of the choir since childhood. Six colleagues formed an escort and bearer party and as the coffin was carried into the church it passed between a guard of honour provided by units of the Fire Service from Minehead, Dulverton, Williton and Watchet. Out of respect for the deceased's memory the choir attended, and the church was packed to capacity. Following the church service and en-route to Minehead Cemetery the town's engine and a second tender carried the many floral tributes, and was preceded by the fire service members at a slow march. In addition to the Minehead War Memorial and the Minehead Harbour Memorial, Tom Escott and John Slade are commemorated on the civilian war dead roll of honour in St George's Chapel in Westminster Abbey. It is dedicated to those who lost their lives by enemy action whilst answering the call of duty. Both men were also awarded posthumous medals and citations in recognition of their bravery. Later a bronze plaque was added to the Harbour wall at Minehead, and which tells the story of their brave endeavour. The RNLI granted an allowance to the widows. |
A.J. Evans
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
WW2
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
WW2
Philip Nevil Floyd (1920-1942)
He was born at Minehead in 1920 and was the son of Reginald Edmund Pulsford Floyd (1880–1975) and Ethel May Floyd nee Williams (1896–1992). His only sibling was Michael Pulsford Floyd (1923–1997), and the family home was at 'Avian' Redgates Road, Minehead. His father was a Draper and Outfitter who had his shop at 1 The Parade, Minehead, and was a Freemason at Minehead's Exmoor Lodge. During WW1 Philip's father had been a 2nd Lieutenant in the West Somerset Yeomanry, Royal Field Artillery. During WW2 Philip joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve to become 107521 Pilot Officer P.N. Floyde of 49 Squadron, at Raf Scampton. On the night of the 30th of May 1942, he was the Pilot of an Avro 679 Manchester Mk I aircraft, Serial Number L7290, that took off from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire at 22.55hrs for participation in the first 1000 bomber raid on Köln, Germany. At around 01.30hrs on the 31st of May, whilst in the skies above the German City of Mülheim an der Ruhr, the aircraft was coned by searchlights and hit by Flak, damaging the hydraulics and cooling system of the starboard engine, which caught fire and was shut down. The aircraft was unable to maintain height on one engine and damage prevented the bombs from being jettisoned. Pilot Officer Floyd ordered the crew to bale out and five of the seven man crew had managed to parachute before the bomber rolled over & crashed. Pilot Officer Floyd remained aboard so that his crew could get out and was clearly aware that he would not be able to follow them. The Front gunner, Sgt. John Smith, was waiting by exit hatch but was unable to get clear before the aircraft crashed. Both men were killed instantly and wre both buried at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery Kleve, Kreis Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. 18-year-old Sergeant John Smith was buried at Plot 9. A. 13, whilst 21-year-old Pilot Officer Philip Nevil Floyd is buried in the next plot at 9. A. 14. The personal inscription on Philip's grave reads: WE MOURN, BUT NOT AS THOSE WITHOUT HOPE. NOT DEAD, JUST AWAY. MUMMIE, DADDIE, MICHAEL. The surviving members of the crew were all taken as prisoners of war: Co-Pilot: 403818 Sgt. Douglas Evans Randall RAAF and Wireless Operator/Air Gunner: NZ/40804 Sgt. Frederick E. Woodrow RNZAF were sent to Stalag Luft 6 at Heydekrug. PoW Numbers 438 and 458. Navigator: 1251404 Sgt. J. R. Valentine, Air Gunner: 1326548 Sgt. J. F. Wright, and Air Gunner: 1312688 Sgt. E. Probert, were sent to Stalag 357 at Kopernikus. PoW Numbers 450, 454, and 436. |
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
Reginald Henry John Harris
R.H.J. HARRIS (REGINALD HENRY JOHN aged 23)
FLIGHT SERGEANT Service Number: 1851982 Regiment & Unit/Ship Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 37 Sqdn.
Died 19 September 1946 Age 23 years old Buried or commemorated at TRIPOLI WAR CEMETERY 13. A. 8. Libya
Additional Info Son of Reginald George and Emily Madeline Harris, of Topsham, Devon.
Personal Inscription HE KEPT A STRAIGHT BAT AND PLAYED THE GAME. ENDEARED TO HIS PARENTS AND BROTHER
Reginald Henry John Harris
R.H.J. HARRIS (REGINALD HENRY JOHN aged 23)
FLIGHT SERGEANT Service Number: 1851982 Regiment & Unit/Ship Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 37 Sqdn.
Died 19 September 1946 Age 23 years old Buried or commemorated at TRIPOLI WAR CEMETERY 13. A. 8. Libya
Additional Info Son of Reginald George and Emily Madeline Harris, of Topsham, Devon.
Personal Inscription HE KEPT A STRAIGHT BAT AND PLAYED THE GAME. ENDEARED TO HIS PARENTS AND BROTHER
LIEUTENANT John Benjamin Harrison (d.1943).
He was the son of Allan George Harrison (1866-1934) and Hilda Ann Harrison (1893-1943) of Minehead.
During WW2 he served as a Lieutenant in 9 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers (Service Number: 118424). He was killed in action in Tunisia on the 3rd of May 1943 and was buried at Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia. Plot No. III. C. 17. He is commemorated on the Minehead War Memorial and also with an inscription on his parent's grave in Minehead Cemetery. |
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CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
Gilbert Bryan Hawkins
G.B. HAWKINS (GILBERT BRYAN aged 26) CAPTAIN Service Number: 96755 Regiment & Unit/Ship Somerset Light Infantry
Date of Death Died 12 August 1944 Age 26 years old Buried or commemorated at TILLY-SUR-SEULLES WAR CEMETERY VI. E. 6, France
Additional Info Son of Gilbert Harold and Dorothy Mary Hawkins, of Minehead, Somerset.
Gilbert Bryan Hawkins
G.B. HAWKINS (GILBERT BRYAN aged 26) CAPTAIN Service Number: 96755 Regiment & Unit/Ship Somerset Light Infantry
Date of Death Died 12 August 1944 Age 26 years old Buried or commemorated at TILLY-SUR-SEULLES WAR CEMETERY VI. E. 6, France
Additional Info Son of Gilbert Harold and Dorothy Mary Hawkins, of Minehead, Somerset.
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
Matthew Henry Hellens
M.H. HELLENS (MATTHEW HENRY aged 27) LANCE CORPORAL Service Number: T/175819 Regiment & Unit/Ship Royal Army Service Corps 18 Div. Troops Coy. Died 09 September 1943 Age 27 years old Buried or commemorated at CHUNGKAI WAR CEMETERY 5. C. 5. Thailand
Additional Info Son of Matthew Henry and Rosie Hellens, of Minehead, Somerset.
Personal Inscription "UNTIL THE DAY BREAK AND SHADOWS FLEE AWAY"
Matthew Henry Hellens
M.H. HELLENS (MATTHEW HENRY aged 27) LANCE CORPORAL Service Number: T/175819 Regiment & Unit/Ship Royal Army Service Corps 18 Div. Troops Coy. Died 09 September 1943 Age 27 years old Buried or commemorated at CHUNGKAI WAR CEMETERY 5. C. 5. Thailand
Additional Info Son of Matthew Henry and Rosie Hellens, of Minehead, Somerset.
Personal Inscription "UNTIL THE DAY BREAK AND SHADOWS FLEE AWAY"
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
George William Hewett
ABLE SEAMAN Service Number: D/SSX 28035 Regiment & Unit/Ship Royal Navy H.M.S. Roberts
Died 11 November 1942 Buried or commemorated at PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL Panel 65, Column 2.
Son of William Ernest and Rose Annie Hewett, of Alcombe, Somerset.
Killed at Battle of Béjaïa During World War II, Operation Torch landed forces in North Africa, including a battalion of the British Royal West Kent Regiment at Béjaïa on 11 November 1942. That same day, at 4:40 PM, a German Luftwaffe air raid struck Béjaïa with thirty Ju 88 bombers and torpedo planes. The transports Awatea and Cathay were sunk and the monitor HMS Roberts was damaged. The following day, the anti-aircraft ship SS Tynwald was torpedoed and sank, while the transport Karanja was bombed and destroyed.
HMS Roberts provided bombardment support during Operation Torch. Operation Torch (8 November 1942 – 16 November 1942) was an Allied invasion of French North Africa during the Second World War.
George William Hewett
ABLE SEAMAN Service Number: D/SSX 28035 Regiment & Unit/Ship Royal Navy H.M.S. Roberts
Died 11 November 1942 Buried or commemorated at PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL Panel 65, Column 2.
Son of William Ernest and Rose Annie Hewett, of Alcombe, Somerset.
Killed at Battle of Béjaïa During World War II, Operation Torch landed forces in North Africa, including a battalion of the British Royal West Kent Regiment at Béjaïa on 11 November 1942. That same day, at 4:40 PM, a German Luftwaffe air raid struck Béjaïa with thirty Ju 88 bombers and torpedo planes. The transports Awatea and Cathay were sunk and the monitor HMS Roberts was damaged. The following day, the anti-aircraft ship SS Tynwald was torpedoed and sank, while the transport Karanja was bombed and destroyed.
HMS Roberts provided bombardment support during Operation Torch. Operation Torch (8 November 1942 – 16 November 1942) was an Allied invasion of French North Africa during the Second World War.
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
Clifford Raymond Jackson
C.R. JACKSON (CLIFFORD RAYMOND) PILOT OFFICER Service Number: 134313 Regiment & Unit/Ship Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 153 Sqdn.
Date of Death Died 03 March 1943 Buried or commemorated at EL ALIA CEMETERY 12. K. 29. Algeria
Additional Info Son of Frank and Ada Jackson, of Alcome, Minehead, Somerset.
Personal Inscription DUTY NOBLY DONE
Clifford Raymond Jackson
C.R. JACKSON (CLIFFORD RAYMOND) PILOT OFFICER Service Number: 134313 Regiment & Unit/Ship Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 153 Sqdn.
Date of Death Died 03 March 1943 Buried or commemorated at EL ALIA CEMETERY 12. K. 29. Algeria
Additional Info Son of Frank and Ada Jackson, of Alcome, Minehead, Somerset.
Personal Inscription DUTY NOBLY DONE
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
C R Jennings
C.R. JENNINGS (not found) WW2
C R Jennings
C.R. JENNINGS (not found) WW2
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
Marcus Edward Jewell
M. JEWELL (MARCUS EDWARD aged 29)
SEAMAN Service Number: LT/JX 202285 Regiment & Unit/Ship Royal Naval Patrol Service H.M. Trawler Kingston Galena.
Date of Death Died 24 July 1940 Age 29 years old Buried or commemorated at LOWESTOFT NAVAL MEMORIAL Panel 2, Column 2.
Additional Info Son of Edward and Laura Jewell, of Minehead, Somerset; husband of Vera Jewell, of Minehead.
Marcus Edward Jewell
M. JEWELL (MARCUS EDWARD aged 29)
SEAMAN Service Number: LT/JX 202285 Regiment & Unit/Ship Royal Naval Patrol Service H.M. Trawler Kingston Galena.
Date of Death Died 24 July 1940 Age 29 years old Buried or commemorated at LOWESTOFT NAVAL MEMORIAL Panel 2, Column 2.
Additional Info Son of Edward and Laura Jewell, of Minehead, Somerset; husband of Vera Jewell, of Minehead.
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
F E Kemp
F.E. KEMP (not found) WW2
F E Kemp
F.E. KEMP (not found) WW2
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
C Martin
C. MARTIN Not found WW2
C Martin
C. MARTIN Not found WW2
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
S C Lane
S.C. LANE (not found) WW2
S C Lane
S.C. LANE (not found) WW2
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
William James Long
PRIVATE Service Number: 5680759 Regiment & Unit/Ship Somerset Light Infantry 4th Bn.
Date of Death Died 23 November 1944 Age 33 years old Buried or commemorated at BRUNSSUM WAR CEMETERY I. 9. Netherlands
Additional Info Son of William George and Lydia Alice Long, of Alcombe, Minehead, Somerset; husband of Dorothy Isabella Marie Long, of Alcombe.
Personal Inscription A TRIBUTE OF LOVE AND REMEMBRANCE. HIS MEMORY A TREASURE, HIS LOSS A LIFETIME REGRET
William James Long
PRIVATE Service Number: 5680759 Regiment & Unit/Ship Somerset Light Infantry 4th Bn.
Date of Death Died 23 November 1944 Age 33 years old Buried or commemorated at BRUNSSUM WAR CEMETERY I. 9. Netherlands
Additional Info Son of William George and Lydia Alice Long, of Alcombe, Minehead, Somerset; husband of Dorothy Isabella Marie Long, of Alcombe.
Personal Inscription A TRIBUTE OF LOVE AND REMEMBRANCE. HIS MEMORY A TREASURE, HIS LOSS A LIFETIME REGRET
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
Walter Bruce Murray
RN boy 1st class HMS Gloucester)
BOY 1ST CLASS Service Number: D/JX 163282 Royal Navy H.M.S. Gloucester
Died 22 May 1941 Age 17 years old
Buried or commemorated at PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL Panel 49, Column 3.
Son of John Bruce Murray, and of Ethel Mary Murray, of Minehead, Somerset.
Walter Bruce Murray
RN boy 1st class HMS Gloucester)
BOY 1ST CLASS Service Number: D/JX 163282 Royal Navy H.M.S. Gloucester
Died 22 May 1941 Age 17 years old
Buried or commemorated at PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL Panel 49, Column 3.
Son of John Bruce Murray, and of Ethel Mary Murray, of Minehead, Somerset.
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
Leslie Stuart Passmore
ABLE SEAMAN Service Number: D/SSX 28036 Regiment & Unit/Ship Royal Navy H.M.S. Sultan
Date of Death Died 16 February 1942 Age 19 years old
Buried or commemorated at PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL Panel 101. Column 2.
Son of Arthur and Leanora Passmore, of Minehead, Somerset.
Leslie Stuart Passmore
ABLE SEAMAN Service Number: D/SSX 28036 Regiment & Unit/Ship Royal Navy H.M.S. Sultan
Date of Death Died 16 February 1942 Age 19 years old
Buried or commemorated at PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL Panel 101. Column 2.
Son of Arthur and Leanora Passmore, of Minehead, Somerset.
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
Sidney Priscott
PRIVATE Service Number: 5730418 Dorsetshire Regiment 4th Bn.
Died 16 July 1944 Age 31 years old Buried or commemorated at ST. MANVIEU WAR CEMETERY, CHEUX II. F. 12. France
Son of Tom and Emma Priscott, of Minehead, Somerset.
Personal Inscription JUST A MEMORY FOND AND TRUE FROM THOSE WHO THOUGHT THE WORLD OF YOU
Sidney Priscott
PRIVATE Service Number: 5730418 Dorsetshire Regiment 4th Bn.
Died 16 July 1944 Age 31 years old Buried or commemorated at ST. MANVIEU WAR CEMETERY, CHEUX II. F. 12. France
Son of Tom and Emma Priscott, of Minehead, Somerset.
Personal Inscription JUST A MEMORY FOND AND TRUE FROM THOSE WHO THOUGHT THE WORLD OF YOU
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
Henry John Pulsford
PLUMBER 3RD CLASS Service Number: D/MX 54715 Royal Navy H.M.S. Gloucester
Died 22 May 1941 Age 27 years old Buried or commemorated at PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL Panel 54, Column 2.
Son of Henry John and Mary Annie Pulsford, of Minehead, Somerset.
Henry John Pulsford
PLUMBER 3RD CLASS Service Number: D/MX 54715 Royal Navy H.M.S. Gloucester
Died 22 May 1941 Age 27 years old Buried or commemorated at PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL Panel 54, Column 2.
Son of Henry John and Mary Annie Pulsford, of Minehead, Somerset.
L-Cpl Robert George Summers (1917-1944)
Lance Corporal, 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Son of George Summers (1874-1958) and Annie Elizabeth Summers (1884-1943) of 6 Hayman Road, Minehead. Prior to WW2 he worked with his father as a Gardener. In 1942 he married Margaret 'Peggy' Tompkins on the Isle of Wight. He was killed in action during the advance on Florence in Italy on 2 Aug 1944 aged 27 Buried at Florence War Cemetery,Florence, Città Metropolitana di Firenze, Toscana, Italy. PLOT VI. E. 12. He is commemorated on the Minehead War Memorial and also on his parent's grave at Minehead Cemetery. |
John 'Jack' Slade (1885-1941)
He was born in Minehead on the 12th of June 1885 and baptised on the 2nd of August 1885. He was the son of William Slade (1849–1929) and Joanna Stacey Slade nee Martin (1848–1926). John, who was known as 'Jack', had four siblings: Bonetta Mary Slade (1873–1876), Sydney Slade (1881–1950), Frederick William Slade (1887–1967), and Ernest Slade (1890–1962). He grew-up in a small maritime community and his father and grandfather had both been merchant sailors and fishermen. At age 17 Jack was employed as the Mate on the small Coastal Steamship 'Harriet Ann' owned by Henry Pulsford. From its home port of Minehead it delivered and collected goods from ports in South Wales, and also others along the Bristol Channel. The 1911 census showed that Jack and his brother (Frederick) had entered the house painting trade. On the 14th of July 1914, at St Michael's parish church in Minehead, he married Emily Gill (1892-1948), the daughter of Thomas Gill of Dunster (1848-1904). The marriage Banns showed Jack's profession as a Fisherman. The couple resided at 9 Quay Street Minehead, and on the 3rd of March 1914 they had a daughter: Edith Florence B. Slade (1914-1999). By the time of the 1939 census Jack and his family were still residing at Quay Street, Minehead, and as well as fishing he boosted his income by providing pleasure trips from Minehead Harbour in his Motor Launch: "The Mouette". Being an experienced Sailor and knowledgeable local fisherman, Jack had naturally become a member of the Minehead Lifeboat Crew, and eventually progressed to being its Coxswain. On the 17th of December 1941 two objects had been reported partially floating and sticking out of the mud at low tide in Blue Anchor Bay. It was believed to be the tip of an aircraft wing or fuselage, and Admiral Casement, the local Naval Officer with responsibility for the area, ordered an investigation to see what it was. He asked for assistance from the Minehead Lifeboat. However, Mr. Lawrence, the Honorable Secretary of the Minehead lifeboat, refused the use of the lifeboat to investigate aircraft wreckage, but did ask two members of the Lifeboat Service: John 'Jack' Slade (Coxswain of the Minehead Lifeboat) and his cousin: Thomas Escott, to see what the object was by using Slade's own boat 'The Mouette'. On the 18th of December the two men set-out in John Slade's motor launch and, as they approached, they saw what looked like wreckage projecting from the sea. What they couldn't have known was the object wasn't part of an aircraft but an immensely powerful magnetic parachute mine, packed with enough high-explosive to sink a ship. Observers reported seeing one of the men lean over and touch the object with a boat hook, possibly to hook a rope around it. There was a sudden blinding flash and a shattering explosion that could be heard across the town, and both men were killed instantly. John Slade was aged 56 when he died, Tom Escott was ten years younger. Whilst John's body was never found, Tom's remains were discovered on the foreshore of Blue Anchor Bay on the 27th of December. The Mouette's nameboard and tiller were washed ashore and are now kept in the Lifeboat House on the Quay as part of a special display honouring the two men. Both men were part of the close-knit Quaytown seafaring community and in addition to the Minehead War Memorial and the Minehead Harbour Memorial, John Slade and Tom Escott are commemorated on the civilian war dead roll of honour in St George's Chapel in Westminster Abbey. It is dedicated to those who lost their lives by enemy action whilst answering the call of duty. Both men were also awarded posthumous medals and citations in recognition of their bravery. The RNLI granted an allowance to the widows. NOTE: His daughter Edith Florence B. Slade (1914-1999) has her grave within Minehead Cemetery. |
Lewis George Slade
TWO FROM QUAY STREET John Martin (L) and Lewis George Slade (R). John was in the Somerset Light Infantry 2nd Battalion. Lewis was in the Royal Navy. Sadly Lewis never returned. This photo of Lewis might have been the last time he was home the photo looks like it was taken in the summer time. John Martin was only 18 in 1941 the same year Lewis was lost at sea on the SS ALVA 19th August 1941.
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PRIVATE Reginald Samuel Tudball (1922-1944)
Son of Samuel and Violet Tudball, of Minehead, Somerset.
Service Number: 14645541
6th Bn. Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Died 27 July 1944 Age 22 years old
Buried at FLORENCE WAR CEMETERY Italy. Plot X. F. 2.
Service Number: 14645541
6th Bn. Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Died 27 July 1944 Age 22 years old
Buried at FLORENCE WAR CEMETERY Italy. Plot X. F. 2.
Survived
Charles Bushen was born at Minehead on the 21st of September 1874. He was one of ten children of John Bushen of Minehead (1839 - 1920) and Charlotte Bushen nee Knight (1839 - 1917) of Minehead.
Charles' paternal grandparents were John Bushen of Minehead (1809 - 1861) and Elizabeth Bushen nee Cooksley of London - who died aged 100 years (1808 - 1909).
On the 6th of January 1898 Charles married Mary Jane Baker. The couple had 7 children children: Leslie John Bushen (1905 - 1973),
Vera Kathleen Bushen (1912 - 1991), Alice May Lofthouse nee Bushen , Iris Lorraine Bushen, and 3 others (details unknown).
At age 38 Charles enlisted at Minehead into the Army on the 17th of September 1915 and gave his occupation as a Mason. His address was shown as being 21 Vicarage Road, Minehead, Somerset. Throughout WW1 he served as Private 9543 (Later renumbered R/4/139961) in the Army Service Corps.
He died on the 5th of January 1938, aged 63 years, from Coronary Thrombosis, Coronary Artheroma, and Arterio Sclerosis.
Charles' paternal grandparents were John Bushen of Minehead (1809 - 1861) and Elizabeth Bushen nee Cooksley of London - who died aged 100 years (1808 - 1909).
On the 6th of January 1898 Charles married Mary Jane Baker. The couple had 7 children children: Leslie John Bushen (1905 - 1973),
Vera Kathleen Bushen (1912 - 1991), Alice May Lofthouse nee Bushen , Iris Lorraine Bushen, and 3 others (details unknown).
At age 38 Charles enlisted at Minehead into the Army on the 17th of September 1915 and gave his occupation as a Mason. His address was shown as being 21 Vicarage Road, Minehead, Somerset. Throughout WW1 he served as Private 9543 (Later renumbered R/4/139961) in the Army Service Corps.
He died on the 5th of January 1938, aged 63 years, from Coronary Thrombosis, Coronary Artheroma, and Arterio Sclerosis.
MINEHEAD CONNECTIONS
LIEUTENANT COLONEL Kenneth Scougall Cassels (1869-1927)
He was born on the 5th of June 1869 and was the 4th son of Andrew Cassels (1811-1886) and Emma Cecilia Cassels nee Watson (1830-1907), who had married in 1846. His siblings were:
1. John Andrew Cassels (1847-1922) 2. Emma Margaret Hunter nee Cassels (b.1848) 3. May Grace Cassels (b.1850) 4. Augusta Cassels (b.1851) 5. Henry Armitage Cassels (1852-1858) 6. Lilian Elenora Cassels (b.1858) 7. Herbert Wentworth Cassels (b.1859) 8. Violet Mabel Cassels (b.1863) His father was Partner in the eminent firms of 'John Peel and Company' of Manchester, and 'Peel, Cassels, and Company' of Bombay, India. He was also a member of the Council for India. He retired from business in 1868 and took-up residence in London. Kenneth sought a military career with his first commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Hampshire Regiment. He gained promotion to Lieutenant on the 22nd of October 1889 and by 1907 he was serving as a Captain in the Indian (British) Army with the 7th Gurkha Rifles. He was promoted to the rank of Major with the 2/8th Gurkha Rifles and later achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Following the First World War and took-up residence in the Minehead area of Somerset. He died on the 2nd of November 1927, aged 58 years, and was buried at Minehead Cemetery. |
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