OLD CLEEVE (Old Cleeve, Washford, and Bilbrook)
SECOND ANGLO BOER WAR 1899-1902
PRIVATE Albert William Edwards (1876-1900)
He was born at Washford, Somerset, in 1876 and was the son of John Edwards (b.1844), and his wife; Marya Edwards (b. 1840). Albert had seven siblings:
He served as Private 6899 in 'D' Company, 2nd Volunteer Battalion, of the Somerset Light Infantry. The 2nd Battalion sailed on the RMS Briton on 5th December 1899, and arrived at the Cape on the 20th after a very quick passage. The Somersets saw heavy fighting between 20th and 24th of January 1900 at Venter's Spruit and Spion Kop. In the following months they were involved in the relief of Ladysmith. Albert died from Enteric Fever at Kimberley on the 24th November 1900 aged 24. |
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PRIVATE Walter James Shopland (1874-1901)
He was born in1874 at Old Cleeve, Somerset, and was the son of George Shopland (1838-1900) and Mary Shopland nee Gould (1848 -1938) of Abbey Road, Washford. His siblings were:
Albert 'died of disease' on the 24th of February 1901, aged 26 years, at Bloemfontein. The location of his grave is unknown. He is commemorated on the Anglo-Boer war memorial at the Bloemfonteil (President Brand) Cemetery. |
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WW1 1914-1918
SAPPER Albert Edward John Bryant (1887-1916)
He was born in 1888 at Washford, Somerset, and was son of Thomas and Elizabeth Jane Bryant of Torre, Washford.
Albert served as Sapper 46373 in the 95th Field Company of the Royal Engineers, and 'died of wounds' whilst deployed in France on the 12th of December 1916, aged 29 years. He was buried at the Étaples Military Cemetery, Étaples, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France. Plot XX. G. 4. |
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PRIVATE Charles Bryant (d.1917)
During WW1 Charles enlisted at Taunton to become Private 241680 of the 1st/5th battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry.
The battalion had been sent to India in 1914, but on the 26th of April 1917 they embarked for Egypt from Bombay arriving at Suez on the 11th of May 1917. The Somersets were involved in various engagements with the Ottoman Turks, including The Third Battle of Gaza, The Capture of Gaza, The Capture of Junction Station, and The Battle of Nabi Samweil. Charles was killed in action at 'The Battle of Nabi Samwil' in southern Palestine on the 23rd of November 1917. He was buried at the Jerusalem War Cemetery, Plot B. 91. |
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PRIVATE Percy James Bryant (1895-1917)
He was born at Washford in 1895 and enlisted at Taunton into the 7th (Service) battalion of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, becoming Private 28801.
He was killed in action on the 8th of April 1917, immediately following the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. During Somme fighting the Germans constructed a formidable new defensive system some miles in their rear. It was named 'The Hindenburg Line', and from February 1917 until the 5th of April 1917 they withdrew to it, giving up ground whilst carrying out “Operation Alberich”. They made the ground as uninhabitable and difficult as possible. British patrols eventually detected the withdrawal and cautiously followed up and advanced, being brought to a standstill at the outer defences of the system. Percy's body was never identified/recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Thiepval, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France. Plot: Pier and Face 6 B. |
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SAPPER Edwin Ralph Burnett (1885-1915)
Edwin was born at Washford, Somerset, in 1884 and was the son of Rhoda Burnett nee Stevens (1861-1931). He enlisted into the army at Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, to become Sapper 58009 in the 71st Field Company of the Royal Engineers.
In 1915 his unit were deployed to Turkey to take part in the Gallipoli campaign. He was killed in action, aged 30 years, on the 29th of August 1915 during the Battle of Hill 60; which was the last major assault of the Gallipoli Campaign. Two major attacks were made by Allied forces, the first on the 21st of August 1915 and the second on the 27th of August 1915. The first assault resulted in limited gains around the lower parts of the hill, but the Ottoman Turk defenders managed to hold the heights. Reinforcements were committed, but nevertheless the second major assault on the 27th of August faired similarly, and although fighting around the summit continued over the course of the next three days, at the end of the battle the Ottoman forces remained in possession of the summit. Edwin's body was never identified/recovered and he is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Çanakkale, Turkey. |
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CORPORAL Robert Burnett (1894-1918)
He was born at Old Cleeve in 1894 and was the son of W. H. L. and Elizabeth Ann Burnett (b.1867), of Lower Roadwater, Somerset.
Robert enlisted at Minehead to become Private 1038 in the West Somerset Yeomanry, later promoted to the rank of Corporal, as service number 295177, in the 12th (West Somerset Yeomanry) battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. The 12th battalion converted from a yeomanry division to an infantry division in 1917 whilst deployed in Egypt. They were redeployed to France in April 1918, embarking from Alexandria on the 30th of April and landing at Marseilles, France, on the 7th of May 1918, where they were the involved in the Second Battles of the Somme. Robert was killed in action on the 2nd of September 1918, aged 24 years. He was buried at the Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension, Peronne, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France, at Plot IV. J. 17. The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: MY REDEEMER LIVETH |
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PRIVATE Thomas Burnett (1875-1918)
He was born at Old Cleeve in 1875 and in WW1 enlisted into the Welsh Horse Yeomanry as Private 135 (later 355570). The regiment was raised shortly after the outbreak of the war. Initially it served in East Anglia on anti-invasion duties, before being dismounted in 1915 and sent to take part in the Gallipoli Campaign. After withdrawal to Egypt, it was amalgamated with the 1/1st Montgomeryshire Yeomanry as the 25th (Montgomery and Welsh Horse Yeomanry) Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers and served as such throughout the rest of the war. It took part in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign in 1917 and 1918, before being transferred to the Western Front in France.
Thomas 'died of wounds' on the 17th of November 1918 and was buried at the Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France. Plot XI. B. 10. |
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PRIVATE Edward Chamberlain (1897-1918)
He was born at Washford in 1897.
Edward enlisted at Taunton to become Private 1897 in the West Somerset Yeomanry (his service number was, by chance, the same year as his birth year). He later became service number 295492, in the 12th (West Somerset Yeomanry) battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. The 12th battalion converted from a yeomanry division to an infantry division in 1917 whilst deployed in Egypt. They were redeployed to France in April 1918, embarking from Alexandria on the 30th of April and landing at Marseilles, France, on the 7th of May 1918, where they were the involved in the Second Battles of the Somme. Edward was killed in action on the 8th of August 1918, aged 21 years. His body was never identified/recovered 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 38 and 39. |
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PRIVATE Albert Crews (1891-1916)
He was born in 1891 at Old Cleeve, Somerset.
In WW1 he enlisted at Taunton to become Private 4398 of the 1st/4th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. For the early part of the war the Hampshires were based in India but were redeployed to Mesopotamia, landing at Basra on the 18th of March 1915. The battalion spent the rest of the war at various locations in Mesopotamia, Persia, and Egypt Albert was killed in action in Egypt on the 21st of June 1916, aged 25 years. He was buried at the Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, Cairo, El Qahira, Egypt. Plot F. 103. |
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PRIVATE William Cridland (1885-1918)
He was born on the 12th of March 1885 at Bilbrook, nr Old Cleeve, Somerset. At about the age of 15 he relocated to Cardiff in Wales for employment, and for 15 years prior to enlisting had been a Mill Labourer for Spillers and Bakers; at that time a supplier of flour to the baking industry, and later a manufacturer of pet foods. William resided with his wife; Edith, and their 5 children, at 16 Egerton Street, Canton, Cardiff.
In WW1 he enlisted at Cardiff to become Private 202999 of 'B' Company, in the 15th Battalion of the Welsh Regiment. In the early Spring of 1918 he was based on the frontline trenches of the Armentieres District when the Germans bombarded the area with Mustard Gas. He died of wounds (Respiratory Failure) on the 12th of March 1918. It was his 33rd birthday. William was buried at the Merville Communal Cemetery Extension, Merville, Departement du Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France. Plot I. C. 39. The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: THERE'S A LINK DEATH CANNOT SEVER. LOVE AND MEMORY LIVE FOR EVER. |
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CAPTAIN Claude Julian Patrick Hayes (1888-1916)
He was born in 1888 at Karachi, Sindh, India (today part of Pakistan) to Julian Philip Swindell Hayes (1859-1930) and his wife; Edith Alexandra V. Waters. Claude's father was an army surgeon who had served in India, The Sudan, Malta, Crete, and South Africa before retiring in 1906 with the rank of Major. The family's home back in England was in 1891; 'Eversleigh', Hythe, Kent, and in 1901 at 16 Merton Hall Road, Wimbledon. Claude had three siblings:
Claude decided to follow his father into the army and on the 22nd of April 1905 was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). He was promoted to lieutenant a year later but resigned his commission in June 1910. The Great War commenced on the 4th of August 1914 and in London only 6 days later (10th of August 1914) Claude married his fiancée; Nahneen Helen Yvonne Child (1891-1951), who like him had also been born in India. Following their marriage in London they travelled to France and had their marriage blessed at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The couple set-up home at Dragon House at Bilbrook, near Washford, Somerset, and with war raging, Nahneen became a Nurse for the Voluntary Aid Detachment. She turned parts of Dragon House into a convalescent home for local men who were wounded in action and had been shipped back to England to convalesce from their injuries. In February 1915, Claude wrote to his old commanding officer; Lt. Col. R. A. Reith making enquiries about obtaining a commission in the 10th (Service) battalion of his old regiment. Lt. Col. Reith had been given command of another service battalion but unfortunately, as he explained, the formation of the 10th battalion was little more than talk at that time. He further pointed out that although officers were aplenty it was lack of men that was preventing things moving forward. Undaunted, Claude applied for, and received, a lieutenancy in the Royal Fusiliers in March 1915 (Service no WO 339/9784). He was later promoted to the rank of Captain and deployed to France with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, serving on the Western Front from the 18th of June 1915. A year later, on the 9th of August 1916, at Demuin, France, he was commanding 'B' Company into the trenches, when he was shot and killed by a German sniper. Claude was aged 28 years, and was buried at the Bray Military Cemetery, Somme, France. Plot I. C. 22. |
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His wife; Nahneen, carried on her work at Dragon House throughout the war. In 1919 the England and Middlesbrough FC footballer and coach; Frederick Beaconsfield Pentland (1883-1962) stayed at Dragon House to recuperate after 4 years of internment in Germany. He had travelled to Germany in May 1914 to coach the German Olympic team but had been interned in Berlin for the entire period of World War I.
Frederick and Nahneen entered into a relationship and in 1923, at St. George's, Hanover Square, London, they were married. Nahneen died on the 26th of January 1951, aged 59 years, and was buried at Heath Lane Cemetery, West Bromwich. Dragon House still survives today as a listed building and now operates as a hotel. |
PRIVATE George James (1874-1916)
He was born at Washford in 1874 and in WW1 he enlisted as Private 20464 in the Somerset Light Infantry.
In 1916 he transferred to the newly formed Royal Defence Corps, serving as Private 29578 in the 4th Company. The Royal Defence Corps was introduced by a Royal Warrant on the 17th of March 1916 with its purpose; “To carry out duties connected with the local defence of the United Kingdom." Companies numbered 1-50 were to protect Lines of Communication Companies. George died on the 29th of December 1916 (Circumstances unknown). He was buried at the Shorncliffe Military Cemetery, Folkestone, Kent, at Plot O. 491. |
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CORPORAL Albert Frederick Jarvis (1888-1917)
He was born in the village of Waldron, nr Heathfield, East Sussex, in 1888 and was the son of Albert and Lucy Jarvis of 'The Retreat', Cross-in-hand, East Sussex.
By 1911 he had moved to Washford in Somerset, and when war came he enlisted at Minehead to become Private 6071 in the London Regiment. He was later promoted to Corporal as service number 552842 in the 1st/16th Battalion of the London Regiment (Queen's Westminster Rifles). Albert was killed in action at Achicourt, France, on the 8th of April 1917, aged 29 years. He was buried at the Agny Military Cemetery, Agny, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France, Plot G. 55, where the personal inscription reads: BRIEF LIFE IS HERE OUR PORTION BRIEF SORROW SHORT LIVED CARE. In addition to the Old Cleeve war memorial plaque, his name is also commemorated on the roll of honour and memorial window located at St. Bartholomew's Parish Church, at Cross-in-hand, East Sussex. |
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PRIVATE John Elliott Jeffery (1886-1917)
He was born at Slapton, Devon in 1886 and was the son of Phillip and Lucy Jeffery. John was the husband of Rosina Rawle (formerly Jeffery), of Brooklands, Roadwater, Somerset.
During WW1 he enlisted at Taunton to become Private 27657 in the 8th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, and on the 10th of September 1915 the battalion were deployed to France. John was killed in action whilst serving on the Western Front, on the 13th of February 1917. He was aged 31 years, and was buried at the Lillers Communal Cemetery, Lillers, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France. Plot V. C. 40. |
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CORPORAL Denys Robert Keeble (1884-1918)
Denys was born at St. Pancras, London, Middlesex in 1884.
In WW1 he enlisted into the army at The Barbican, London, firstly as Gunner 945744, and later promoted to Corporal, of A Battery, 291st (Howitzer) Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. The brigade were deployed to France in 1917 and were stationed at Villers-Bretonneux. He was killed in action on the 25th of March 1918, aged 23 years, when the Germans attacked his battery by use of mustard gas. He was buried at the Vauxbuin French National Cemetery, Vauxbuin, Departement de l'Aisne, Picardie, France. Plot III. A. 7. |
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PRIVATE Charles Milton (1889-1917)
He was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset, in 1889.
He enlisted into the Army at Washford as Private 1456 of the Somerset Light Infantry, later becoming Private 240197 of the 1st/5th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. He was one of 3 brothers from the same family who were killed in the war, having enlisted and joined the same regiment together. His battalion had been sent to India in 1914, but on the 26th of April 1917 they embarked for Egypt from Bombay, arriving at Suez on the 11th of May 1917. The Somersets were involved in various engagements with the Ottoman Turks, including The Third Battle of Gaza, The Capture of Gaza, The Capture of Junction Station, and The Battle of Nabi Samweil. Charles was killed in action at 'The Battle of Nabi Samwil' in southern Palestine on the 23rd of November 1917. He was buried at the Jerusalem War Cemetery, PLOT B. 93. Of his brothers; Clifford Milton (1891-1915) died in India, whilst his other brother; Edward Milton (1895-1917) was killed alongside Charles at 'The Battle of Nabi Samwil' on the 23rd of November 1917. |
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PRIVATE Clifford Milton (1891-1915)
He was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset, in 1891.
Clifford enlisted into the Army at Washford as Private 1447 of the 1st/5th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, and was one of 3 brothers from the same family who were killed in the war, having enlisted and joined the same regiment together. His battalion were stationed at Taunton until being deployed to on the 9th of October 1914 . They embarked from Southampton, arriving at Bombay on the 9th of November 1914. He died of disease (tuberculosis) on the 1st of November 1915 at , Dagshai Sanatorium, which was the hospital unit of Fitzwygram Barracks, used for soldiers suffering from TB. Dagshai It’s just a small village near National Highway 22 going towards Shimla in Northern India. He was buried at the Dagshai British Cemetery, Himachal Pradesh, India, Grave 433 The cemetery is reported to be the most haunted graveyard in India! His name also appears on the Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial at Khadki, Maharashtra, India. Clifford's two brothers; Edward Milton (1895-1917) and Charles Milton (1889-1917) were both killed in action at 'The Battle of Nabi Samwil' in southern Palestine on the 23rd of November 1917. |
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PRIVATE Edward Milton (1895-1917)
He was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset, in 1895.
He enlisted into the Army at Washford as Private 1457 of the Somerset Light Infantry, later becoming Private 240198 of the 1st/5th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. He was one of 3 brothers from the same family who were killed in the war, having enlisted and joined the same regiment together. His battalion had been sent to India in 1914, but on the 26th of April 1917 they embarked for Egypt from Bombay, arriving at Suez on the 11th of May 1917. The Somersets were involved in various engagements with the Ottoman Turks, including The Third Battle of Gaza, The Capture of Gaza, The Capture of Junction Station, and The Battle of Nabi Samwil. Edward was killed in action at 'The Battle of Nabi Samwil' in southern Palestine on the 23rd of November 1917. He was buried at the Jerusalem War Cemetery, PLOT B. 43. Edward's two other brothers were both killed in the war. Clifford Milton (1891-1915) died from TB whilst at Dagshai in Northern India. Charles Milton (1889-1917) was killed in action whilst fighting side-by-side with Edward at 'The Battle of Nabi Samwil' on the 23rd of November 1917. |
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PRIVATE Harry John Reed (1893-1917)
Harry was born in Washford in 1893 and was the son of Thomas Reed of Station Road, Washford.
In WW1 he enlisted into the West Somerset Yeomanry as Private 1332, later becoming Private 27668 in the 8th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. He was killed in action on the Western Front on the 13th of July 1917, aged 24 years. Harry's body was never recovered/identified and he is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Panel 21. |
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PRIVATE Benjamin James Ridgway (1898-1917)
He was born in 1898 at Old Cleeve, Somerset, and was the son of James and Ellen Ridgway, of Washford.
He enlisted at Minehead to become Private 31003 in the 2nd battalion of the Devonshire Regiment. He was killed in action in Belgium in the 15th of September 1917, aged 19 years. Benjamin was buried at the Motor Car Corner Military Cemetery, Comines-Warneton, Arrondissement de Mouscron, Hainaut, Belgium, Plot A.30, whre the personal inscription on his gravestone reads: PEACE PERFECT PEACE. |
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PRIVATE Stanley Robson (1890-1917) Missing from the Old Cleeve War Memorial
Canadian Infantry 10th Bn. (Alberta Rgt)
Date of death: 09/04/1917 (aged 27) Cemetery: NINE ELMS MILITARY CEMETERY, THELUS, France Son of Edward and Ruth Robson, of Bilbrook, Washford,. Born at Newcastle-on-Tyne, England. An Electrician. Service Number: 426920 Personal Inscription DEEPLY MOURNED Private Robson was "Killed in Action" during the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Military Service- Service Number: 426920 Rank: Private Age: 28 Service: Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment) Division: 10th Battalion He was homesteading NE12-7-1-W3 near the Bexhill siding south of Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, Canada. An electrican by trade, residing in Assiniboia, he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 5 Jan 1915 in Regina, Saskatchewan. 46th Battalion Son of Edward and Ruth Robson of Bilbrook, Washford, Taunton, England. Private Stanley Robson is commemorated on Page 318 of Canada's First World War Book of Remembrance. He is also commemorated on the Saskatchewan Virtual War Memorial. |
SERGEANT James Ernest Scott (1883-1914)
He was born at Stonehouse, Plymouth, Devon, in 1883 and was the son of William and Mary Scott of Old Cleeve, Somerset, and husband of Florence Scott, of 17 Edith Street, St. Budeaux, Plymouth, Devon.
James joined the Plymouth Division of the Royal Marine Light Infantry on the 18th of February 1902 when he was aged 19 years (Service No. PLY/11440) and progressed to the rank of Sergeant. When war broke-out he was serving on HMS Amphion; a light cruiser. The sinking of HMS Amphion. On the 4th of August 1914 Germany rejected the British ultimatum to withdraw from neutral Belgium, which had been invaded in the preceding days. From 23.00 hrs that evening both countries were at war. Britain’s Royal Navy was already on a war footing and sweeps of the North Sea were already underway. The German Navy was not idle either and action was immediately undertaken to sow mines in British waters. A hasty conversion as a mine-layer was undertaken by the German's of the pleasure cruiser; Königin Luise she was impressed on the 3rd August and rushed into service in her new role. By the time of the declaration of war on the 4th August, she was already heading towards the Thames estuary with 180 mines on board. Unknown to the Königin Luise, her course was heading her towards a patrol of the Royal Navy’s newly created Harwich Force, entrusted with patrolling the Southern North Sea and protecting trade-routes between Britain and the Netherlands. The patrol consisted of four L-Class destroyers, led by the scout cruiser HMS Amphion. At 09.00 hrs on the 5th August HMS Amphion’s group encountered a trawler which reported seeing a suspicious steamer “throwing things overboard”. The trawler’s skipper described the ship's position and HMS Amphion headed towards it, subsequently sighting what proved to be the Königin Luise. The German vessel turned and ran for home and a 30-mile chase followed before one of the British destroyers, HMS Lance, could open fire at 4400 yards with her 4-inch guns. Her first round was the first British shot of World War I. HMS Amphion now entered the fray and opened fire on the Königin Luise. With her stern badly damaged she began to sink, going down around noon. Every attempt was made by the British vessels to rescue 75 German survivors from the water out of a total crew of some 100. HMS Amphion and her destroyers then continued on their assigned task to sweep the waters north of the Dutch Friesan Islands, reaching there at 21.00 hrs. |
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For the return sailing Captain Cecil H. Fox of HMS Amphion was faced with the dilemma of what course to set for Harwich, having only minimal information as to the exact location in which Königin Luise had laid her mines. His decision to steer through an area some seven miles west of where he thought the mines were brought his force directly into the danger area. At 0635 hrs on the 6th of August HMS Amphion struck a mine. Detonating beneath the bridge, the effect was catastrophic, breaking the cruiser’s back and setting her forward section on fire.
The destroyer HMS Linnet tried to take HMS Amphion in tow but she was hogging so badly, and threatening to break in two, that there was no option but to abandon her. The forward magazine then exploded, rupturing the hull and throwing one entire 4-inch gun mounting past HMS Linnet. A shell hurled by the explosion landed on the destroyer HMS Lark, killing two of her crew and a German prisoner whom they had earlier plucked from the water. HMS Amphion sank soon after – with a loss of 132 of her crew, including Sergeant Scott , and also an unspecified number of German prisoners. The bodies of those who went down with the ship were never recovered and 30-year-old James Ernest Scott is commemorated on panel 4 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial on Plymouth Hoe. |
SERJEANT Harold George Shopland (1893-1918)
Harold was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset, in 1893 and was the son of George Shopland (1838-1900) and Mary Shopland nee Gould (1848-1938) of Abbey Road, Washford. He was the youngest of four children, with his siblings being:
In WW1 Harold joined the army and achieved the rank of Serjeant (53801) in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He died from illness at Taunton on the 28th of March 1918, aged 24 years, and was buried in St Andrew's Churchyard at Old Cleeve. The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: HIS SUN WENT DOWN WHILST IT WAS YET DAY. |
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CANTEENER Beatrice Elizabeth Stevens (1883-1918)
She was born in 1883 at Compton, West Berkshire (now within the county of Oxfordshire following the 1974 reorganisation of County boundaries).
Beatrice was the youngest child of William Guy Stevens (1843-1906) and his wife; Jane, of Roden House, Compton. Her father was a racehorse trainer. Her siblings were: Percy Guy Stevens and Wilhelmina Mary Stevens (b.1874). In WW1 Beatrice volunteered as a British Army Canteener for the French Red Cross and was stationed at the Troyes Military Hospital in the Aube region of France. A 'Canteener' was a person who would work in a canteen and provide food and refreshment for patients. In some circumstances this might have involved helping to feed men who, due to limb injuries, were unable to feed themselves. In September 1918 Beatrice contracted 'Spanish flu', also known as the Great Influenza epidemic. It was a global pandemic that broke out near the end of World War I, when wartime censors suppressed bad news to maintain morale, but newspapers freely reported the outbreak in neutral Spain - and hence it became known as 'Spanish flu'. She died of double pneumonia (caused by influenza) at Troyes Hospital, France, on the 2nd of October 1918, aged 35 years. Beatrice was buried at the Cimetière de Troyes, Troyes, Departement de l'Aube, Champagne-Ardenne, France. She is commemorated on the ' Women of the Empire' memorial at York Minster, and a brass memorial plaque is on display at the church of St Nicholas in her home village of Compton. Her name also appears on the war memorial plaque at St Andrew's Church, Old Cleve, Somerset. |
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PRIVATE Walter Stevens (1888-1917)
He was born at Washford in 1888 and was the son of William and Mary Stevens, of Washford, Somerset, and husband of Isabel Stevens of 22 Castle Street, Barnstaple.
In WW1 he enlisted at Pool, Dorset, to become Private 27124 of the 6th Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment. His battalion were deployed to France and landed at Boulogne on the 14th of July 1915. Walter was killed in action, aged 29 years, on the 16th of May 1917 at Roeux. He was buried at the Browns Copse Cemetery, Roeux, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France, Plot II. C. 38. |
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PRIVATE Thomas George Sully (1884-1918)
Thomas was born in Washford, Somerset in 1884. He was the son of Ellen Sully, of Washford.
He enlisted at Camberley, Surrey, to become Private 20213 of 'B' Company, 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. He 'died of wounds' on the 16th of April 1918, aged 34 years, and was buried at the Pernes British Cemetery. Pernes, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France. Plot I. B. 18. |
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LANCE CORPORAL Ernest Henry Taylor (1899-1916)
Ernest Henry Taylor was born at 'Pebbles', Washford, Somerset, in 1899 and christened in St Andrew’s Church, Old Cleeve, on the 2nd of June 1899. He was known as Ernie and was the eldest son of Samuel Henry Taylor (1876-1950) and Mary Nicholas Stevens (1874-1952).
At the time of Ernie’s birth his father; Samuel, was working in the paper mill at Watchet, whilst his mother was a teacher at the village school. By the time of the 1901 census his father had returned to the family business as a dealer of china wear, and a decade later, in the 1911 census, Ernie was attending the village school, where his mother had been promoted to be the Headmistress. With both of his parents in full-time employment Ernie spent a lot of time with his grandfather, who resided in the next-door house of Jasmine Cottage. In WW1 Ernie lied about his age in order to join-up, claiming to be 18 when he was only 16. To ensure his deception was not discovered he named his elder sister as his next of kin (Miss. J. C. Taylor, of 111 Minard Road, Hither Green, London) rather than his parents. He also enlisted in a regiment from outside the local area (so as not to be recognised by other young men joining-up). He initially enlisted with the Duke of Edinburgh’s 3rd Wiltshire Regiment (Service No. 37403) before transferring to the Princess Charlotte’s 2nd/4th battalion of the Royal Berkshire Regiment (Service No. 44149), where he was promoted to the rank of lance corporal. His battalion were deployed to France and from the 12th of April 1918 were stationed on the front line at Robecq, where he 'died of wounds' on the 1st of June 1918. |
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He was buried at the Ribemont Communal Cemetery Extension, Ribemont-sur-Ancre, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France. Plot II. J. 3., where the personal inscription on his gravestone reads: REST WELL BRAVE ONE, YOU LIVE IN HEARTS THAT LOVE YOU.
A war gratuity of £6 8s. 6d. was later paid to his mother and an additional £4 was paid to his father. |
PRIVATE Walter Taylor (1886-1915)
Walter was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset in 1886.
He enlisted at Taunton to become Private 7538 of the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. The battalion were deployed to France on the 22nd of August 1914 as part of the British Expeditionary Force, and in 1914 were involved in the Battle of Le Cateau, the Battle of Marne, the Battle of the Aisne, and the Battle of Messines. Walter was killed in action near Ypres, Belgium, on the 11th of April 1915, aged 28 years. His body was never identified/recovered and he is commemorated on panel 3 of the Ploegsteert Memorial, Ploegsteert, Arrondissement de Mouscron, Hainaut, Belgium. |
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2nd LIEUTENANT William Eric Tyler (1889-1918)
He was born at Withycombe, Somerset, in 1889 and was the son of William Robert Henry Tyler (1852-1908) and Nina Catchell Risdon Tyler (1863-1946) of Rodhuish Farm, Withycombe.
In WW1 he enlisted into the Shropshire Light Infantry as Private 29717, later gaining a commission in the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) as a Second Lieutenant. He died aged 30 years at the Belton Park Military Hospital at Belton Park Camp (HQ of the Machine Gun Corps) in Grantham, Lincolnshire on the 28th of October 1918 (circumstances unknown). He was brought home to Somerset and buried at Saint John the Baptist Churchyard in Carhampton, Somerset, in a joint grave he shares with his parents. |
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RIFLEMAN Ronald Burton Whittington (1887-1916)
He was born in Minhead, Somerset, in 1887 and in 1901 was residing with his family at Park Street, Exford, Somerset.
In WW1 he enlisted at Minehead to become Rifleman R/32960 in the 10th Battalion of the King's Royal Rifle Corps, which was deployed to France on the 21st of July 1915. Ronald 'died of wounds' at the Battle of Le Transloy, France, on the 7th of October 1916, aged 29 years. His body was never identified/recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Thiepval, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France. Pier and Face 13 A and 13 B. |
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WW2 1939-1945
SAPPER Herbert Charles Burnett (1906-1944)
He was born at Washford, Somerset, in 1906 and was the son of Thomas Burnett (d.1928) and his wife: Annie Burnett (d.1921) of Washford, as well as the husband of Rose Elsie Burnett, of Washford.
He served as a Sapper in the 510th Field Company of the Royal Engineers (Service No:14543616). The circumstances of his death on the 13th of April 1944 are currently unknown. He was aged 37 years and was buried at St. Andrew's Churchyard at Old Cleeve, Somerset, where the personal inscription on his gravestone reads: GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. |
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John Chapman
No details found - further base information needed in order to research further.
LEADING AIRCRAFTMAN Edward Robert John Clatworthy (1919-1940)
He was born in 1919 and was the son of Cecil Frank Clatworthy (1891-1965) and his wife; Lillian Annie Clatworthy (1888-1961) of Watchet. His father had been a Second Lieutenant in the Devonshire Regiment during WW1.
During WW2 he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve to become Leading Aircraftsman 923468, before starting his training as a Pilot. He was sent to No.5 Service Flying Training School at RAF Shotwick in Flintshire, Wales in 1940 as a Pilot-Under-Training. Tragedy came on the 12th of December 1940 when Edward and his Instructor; (Sgt (Pilot/Instructor) Kenneth A. BALDRY 741301) were on a training flight in their aircraft, a Miles Master 1 (T8326). The aircraft was seen to suddenly dive into the ground at Nannerch, Flintshire, killing both of the crew instantly. Edward was aged 21 years. He is commemorated on his parents gravestone at St. Andrew's Churchyard, Old Cleeve, Somerset. |
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RIFLEMAN Cecil John Griffiths (1921-1944)
He was born at Washford, Somerset, in 1921 and was the son of Augustus John Griffiths (1887-1932) and Ellen Griffiths nee Williams (1888-1955), who had married in 1919 and resided at Washford. Cecil's father had served as a Private in the Somerset Light Infantry during the First World War and is named on the Roll of Honour at St Andrew's Church, Old Cleeve, Somerset.
Following in his father's footsteps, in WW2 Cecil enlisted into the army, becoming Rifleman 5683105 of the 2nd Battalion, The London Irish Rifles. In 1944 the Battalion had landed in Sicily in July 1943, then moved up through the Italian mainland, before reaching areas north of Rome by the early summer of 1944. On the 20th of June 1944 Cecil's battalion were involved in the 12-day Battle of the Trasimeno Line (also known as the Albert Line). Cecil was killed in action during the second day of the battle on the 21st of June 1944. He was aged 23 years and was buried at the Orvieto War Cemetery, Orvieto, Provincia di Terni, Umbria, Italy. Plot I, E, 5. The Personal Inscription on his gravestone reads: ALWAYS IN THE THOUGHTS OF HIS LOVING MOTHER, SISTER AND BROTHER. |
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SERGEANT Cecil John Hole (1909-1943)
He was born in Dunster, Somerset, on the 7th May 1909 and was the husband of Kathleen Hole, of Washford, Somerset, and father of Anthony John Hole (1939-1965).
During WW2 he served as Sergeant 1320392, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, and was attached to 20 O.T.U. (Operational Training Unit) at RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland. The role of 20 O.T.U. was to train night bomber crews using the Vickers Wellington aircraft. He died on the 8th of October 1943, aged 34 years, when his Wellington Bomber (Serial number X3662) ditched into the sea at around 6am,10 miles North West of Dunvegan Head, Isle of Skye. Killing all the crew-members.:
His son's grave, which is located at St Andrew's Churchyard at Old Cleve, Somerset, also has a memorial to his father upon it, which reads: 'also of Cecil John Hole R.A.F. - Father of the above - Missing October 8th 1943 - Aged 34.' |
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LANCE CORPORAL James Mogg (1911-1943)
He was born in 1911 and was the son of William Henry Mogg (1874-1960) and Harriet Mogg (1877-1956). He was also the husband of Louise Augusta Mogg, of Dunster, Somerset.
In WW2 James served in 235 Troops Company of the Royal Army Service Corps (Service No: T/204782) , and was involved in the supply of essential stores and equipment to troops serving on the front-line. He had sailed aboard the SS Benalbanach as part of convoy KMS6 on Christmas Eve 1942 bound for North Africa ,with a crew of 74 and 389 officers and men, as well as a cargo of tanks, motor vehicles, ammunition, petrol and general military stores. At just after six o'clock on the evening of January the 7th 1943, the Benalbanach was attacked East of Algiers in the Mediterranean by an enemy aircraft which launched two torpedoes, hitting the ship in No. 3 and No. 5 holds. The ship sank almost immediately, taking with it 57 of the crew and 340 troops. James was aged 32 years and his body was never recovered. He is commemorated on the Brookwood 1939-1945 Memorial to the missing at Woking, Surrey (Panel 16, Column 1), and also on his parents grave at St Andrew's Churchyard, Old Cleeve, Somerset. |
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CORPORAL Sydney Charles Preece (d.1944)
Sydney Charles Preece (wrongly spelt 'Sidney' on the Old Cleeve Memorial) served as a Corporal in the RAF during WW2; Service Number 637297. He was attached as one of the 400 ground staff to 211 Squadron, that it January 1942 were sent to the Far East to operate from Sumatra and Java in a short-lived campaign against the Japanese.
The squadron suffered heavy casualties, losing ten of its 24 Blenheim IV aircraft and 19 aircrew killed or missing during operations between the 6th of February and the 21st February 1942. By the first week of March, allied forces were withdrawing from Java but only 87 of 211 Squadron's personnel were evacuated before the surrender on the 8th of March 1942. At least 340 personnel of the squadron were taken prisoner by the Japanese, including Sydney, with many of them dying in captivity from overwork and malnutrition, or from diseases such as Beri-Beri, caused by inadequate diet, or simply starvation. Such was the brutal and inhumane regime inflicted against POWs by the Japanese. Sydney died on the 18th of September 1944. It is unknown where his body was buried and he is commemorated on Column 437 of the WW2 Singapore Memorial to the missing. |
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PRIVATE Wilfred Gordon John Smith (1923-1944)
He was born at Washford in 1923 and was the son of Wilfred Smith (1892-1963) and Mary smith (1892-1983) of Washford, Somerset.
In WW2 Wilfred served in the 2nd (Airborne) Battalion of the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry (Service No. 5683032). In September 1944 he was part of the 1st Airborne Division that took part in the vanguard of 'Operation Market Garden', an airborne assault in the Netherlands to secure key bridges and towns along the expected Allied axis of advance. The Battle for Arnhem occurred between the 17th and 26th of September 1944, with the 1st Airborne Division landing at Arnhem to secure bridges across the Nederrijn. Their landing area or 'drop-zone' was some distance from its objectives and was quickly hampered by unexpected resistance, especially from the 9th SS and 10th SS panzer divisions. Only a small force was able to reach the Arnhem road bridge, while the main body of the division was halted on the outskirts of the city. After four days, the small British force at the bridge was overwhelmed and the rest of the division became trapped in a pocket north of the river, where they could not be sufficiently reinforced After nine days of fighting, the shattered remains of the airborne forces were eventually withdrawn south of the Rhine. Wilfred was reported as 'missing in action' (presumed killed) on the 25th of September 1944. He was aged 21 years. His body was never identified/recovered and he is commemorated on Panel 5 of the Groesbeek Memorial in the Netherlands. His name is also memorialised on his parents grave at St. Andrew's Churchyard, Old Cleeve, Somerset. |
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The events at Arnhem were later dramatised to become a household name in the 1977 film 'A Bridge Too Far', with a cast of several famous actors, including; Michael Caine, Sean Connery, and Anthony Hopkins.
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FLIGHT SERGEANT Geoffrey John Summers (1922-1942)
Geoffrey was born in 1922 and was the son of John Calvin Summers and Margaret Louise Summers, of Bilbrook, Somerset.
During WW2 he served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and in 1942 was a Flight Sergeant based at Idku, Egypt, with 272 Squadron. On the 25th of June 1942 Geoffery, together with Flying Officer James Edward Makgill (RNZAF) were attacking ground targets near Mersa Matruh, Egypt, in their Bristol Beaufighter (Serial Number T4981), when it was hit by anti-aircraft flak, setting the starboard engine on fire. The crew attempted to ditch at sea, away from enemy forces, but struck sand dunes and exploded. Both Geoffery, who was acting as the Wireless Operator and Observer, and the Pilot; James Makgill, were killed instantly. 20-year-old Geoffery and 28-year-old James Edward Makgill were buried in a joint grave at plot 19. H. 8. of the Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery, at As-Sallum, Maṭrūḥ, Egypt . The personal inscription on Geoffery's gravestone reads: 'OUR BELOVED SON. HE NOBLY DID HIS DUTY'. |
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Old Cleeve's Roll of Honour.
(Those who fought and survived the war)
Herbert Babbage (1897-?)
He was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset, on the 3rd of March 1897. In WW1 he enlisted into the Royal Flying Corps (Later the RAF) as a Fitter & Turner, Service No. 318763.
William Bates (1882-1967)
He was born on the 3rd of July 1882 at Washford, Somerset, and was the son of Thomas Bates (d.1896). In 1905 he married Marion Emma “Minnie” Shopland (1882-1972) of Old Cleeve and in 1911 they had a son: Basil Spencer Bates (1911-1983)
During WW1 William served as Sergeant 2351 (later 166072) in the North Somerset Yeomanry.
After the war he became a Special Constable and worked for the BBC as a Gardener. He died on the
23rd of July 1967, aged 86 years, and was buried at St Andrew's Churchyard, Old Cleeve, where he shares a gravesite and headstone with his wife and son.
During WW1 William served as Sergeant 2351 (later 166072) in the North Somerset Yeomanry.
After the war he became a Special Constable and worked for the BBC as a Gardener. He died on the
23rd of July 1967, aged 86 years, and was buried at St Andrew's Churchyard, Old Cleeve, where he shares a gravesite and headstone with his wife and son.
William James Bennett (1883-1942)
He was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset, in 1883 and in WW1 served as Private DM2/151208 in the Royal Army Service Corps. He died at home in Exmoor in 1942, aged 59 years.
William Edmund Berryman (1892-1937)
He was born in 1892 at Watchet, Somerset, and served in WW1 as Private 5764 (later 202559) in the Somerset Light Infantry. He died at his home in Exmoor in 1937, aged 45 years.
George Beaver (1889-1973)
He was born at Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire, on the 26th of September 1889, and in WW1 served as Private S4/157502 in the Army Service Corps, In 1914 he married May Twose (1893-1981) of Wellington, Somerset. George died on the 25th of May 1973, aged 83 years. He and his wife were both cremated at Taunton Deane Crematorium and their ashes interred at plot TD 1/663 in the gardens of remembrance.
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Harold John Beaver (1898-1967)
He was born in 1898 and was the brother of Walter Beaver (1892-1962).
During WW1 he served as Private 2786 (Later 241087) in the Somerset Light Infantry, and in 1924 he married May Bourne (1905–1974) of Bathealton Village, Somerset.
Harold died on the 16th of March 1967, aged 69 years. He was buried at St. Andrew's Churchyard, Old Cleeve, where he shares a gravesite with his wife.
During WW1 he served as Private 2786 (Later 241087) in the Somerset Light Infantry, and in 1924 he married May Bourne (1905–1974) of Bathealton Village, Somerset.
Harold died on the 16th of March 1967, aged 69 years. He was buried at St. Andrew's Churchyard, Old Cleeve, where he shares a gravesite with his wife.
Thomas Henry Bennett (1880-?)
He was born at Carhampton, Somerset, in 1880, and in WW1 served as Corporal 17528 in the Somerset Light Infantry.
Ewart John Berryman (1894-1924)
He was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset, in 1894, and during WW1 served as Private 355495 in the Labour Corps. He died at Williton, Somerset, in 1924 aged 30 years.
Ernest Bindon (1896-1974)
He was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset, on the 23rd of October 1896.
In WW1 he served as Private 5760 (Later 202555) Somerset Light Infantry, and in 1919 he married Mary Emily Lovell (1895-1972).
Ernest died in Watchet, Somerset, on the 30th of July 1974, aged 77 years. He was buried at St Decuman's Churchyard, Watchet, Somerset.
In WW1 he served as Private 5760 (Later 202555) Somerset Light Infantry, and in 1919 he married Mary Emily Lovell (1895-1972).
Ernest died in Watchet, Somerset, on the 30th of July 1974, aged 77 years. He was buried at St Decuman's Churchyard, Watchet, Somerset.
Reginald Thomas Bindon (1898-1973)
He was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset, on the 9th of August 1898, and in WW1 served as Private 118172 in the Machine Gun Corps. He died in 1973 at Exmoor, Somerset.
George Burnett
In WW1 he served as Private 240188 (later acting Corporal) in the Somerset Light Infantry.
Rupert Clifford Burnett (1899-1983)
He was born at Roadwater, Somerset, on the 27th of July 1899 and was the son of W. H. L. and Elizabeth Ann Burnett (b.1867), of Lower Roadwater, Somerset. In WW1 he served as Private 25768 Somerset Light Infantry, and then Private GS/135599 (later 6449445) in the Royal Fusiliers.
His elder brother; Corporal Robert Burnett (1884-1918), was killed in action in France whilst serving with the Somerset Light Infantry.
Rupert died at Taunton, Somerset, in 1983, aged 84 years.
His elder brother; Corporal Robert Burnett (1884-1918), was killed in action in France whilst serving with the Somerset Light Infantry.
Rupert died at Taunton, Somerset, in 1983, aged 84 years.
Thomas Henry Burnett (1897-?)
He was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset, in 1897 and in WW1 served as Lance Corporal 36410 in the Hampshire Regiment.
William John Burnett (1896-?)
He was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset, in 1896. In WW1 he served as Private 5763 (later 202558) in the Somerset Light Infantry.
Ronald Carlisle M.C. (1890-1933)
He was born at Liverpool, Lancashire, in 1890 and was educated at Marlborough College, Wiltshire, and at King's College, London.
In 1910 he served a short apprenticeship with Fawcett, Preston Engineering Company Ltd of Liverpool, who particularly made sugar machinery. A year later he went to Argentina as an apprentice at the La Corona sugar factory at Tucuman, and was subsequently appointed second engineer. At the outbreak of the First World War he returned to England and obtained a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the 1/1st Welsh Horse Yeomanry. He served in the Gallipoli campaign and was one of the last members of the British Forces to leave Gallipoli in the evacuation during the War in January 1916. During his military service he was mentioned in dispatches and was awarded the Military Cross on 3rd June 1916 For distinguished service in the Field. He was invalided out of the Army in the latter part of 1916 and in November of that year he returned to Tucuman, Argentina, as chief engineer of the La Corona sugar factory. In 1923 he joined the Forestal Land Timber and Railways Company, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, and was placed in charge of the reorganisation of tannin factories and the control of all locomotives and rolling stock. In 1930 he was appointed technical representative in the Argentine for Sir W. G. Armstrong, Whitworth and Company, involved with Railway locomotives and rolling stock, and held this appointment at the time of his death. He died on the 6th April 1933, in his forty-second year, at Minehead, Somerset.
In 1910 he served a short apprenticeship with Fawcett, Preston Engineering Company Ltd of Liverpool, who particularly made sugar machinery. A year later he went to Argentina as an apprentice at the La Corona sugar factory at Tucuman, and was subsequently appointed second engineer. At the outbreak of the First World War he returned to England and obtained a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the 1/1st Welsh Horse Yeomanry. He served in the Gallipoli campaign and was one of the last members of the British Forces to leave Gallipoli in the evacuation during the War in January 1916. During his military service he was mentioned in dispatches and was awarded the Military Cross on 3rd June 1916 For distinguished service in the Field. He was invalided out of the Army in the latter part of 1916 and in November of that year he returned to Tucuman, Argentina, as chief engineer of the La Corona sugar factory. In 1923 he joined the Forestal Land Timber and Railways Company, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, and was placed in charge of the reorganisation of tannin factories and the control of all locomotives and rolling stock. In 1930 he was appointed technical representative in the Argentine for Sir W. G. Armstrong, Whitworth and Company, involved with Railway locomotives and rolling stock, and held this appointment at the time of his death. He died on the 6th April 1933, in his forty-second year, at Minehead, Somerset.
Alban Chilcott (1884-1933)
He was born in 1884 and was one of ten children to Francis Chilcott (b.1860 Stringston, Somerset) and Mary Jane Chilcott (b.1862 Stogursey, Somerset).
In 1911, at Nettlecombe, Somerset, he married Ella Gertrude Elizabeth Jewell (b.1881)
During WW1 he served as Acting Corporal 34822 in the Worcestershire Regiment, and then Acting Corporal 589515 in the Labour Corps.
Alban died on the 27th of February 1933, aged 48 years, and was buried at St. Audries Churchyard, West Quantoxhead, Somerset.
In 1911, at Nettlecombe, Somerset, he married Ella Gertrude Elizabeth Jewell (b.1881)
During WW1 he served as Acting Corporal 34822 in the Worcestershire Regiment, and then Acting Corporal 589515 in the Labour Corps.
Alban died on the 27th of February 1933, aged 48 years, and was buried at St. Audries Churchyard, West Quantoxhead, Somerset.
Alfred Frank Cowlin (1900-?)
He was born at of Bishops Lydeard, Somerset, on the 4th of January 1900. During WW1 he served as Able Seaman J52814 in the Royal Navy.
Clifford Roy Cowlin (1898-1980)
He was born at Luccombe, Somerset, on the 24th of December 1898 and was the son of John Cowlin and Bella Louisa Cowlin nee Sutton of Dunster.
In WW1 he served as Able Seaman J38668 in the Royal Navy. He died at Plymouth, Devon, 1st September 1980, aged 81 years.
In WW1 he served as Able Seaman J38668 in the Royal Navy. He died at Plymouth, Devon, 1st September 1980, aged 81 years.
George Cridland
In WW1 he served as Private 27602 in the Gloucestershire Regiment, and also as Private 113682 in the Labour Corps.
James Henry Cridland (1883-1967)
He was born on the 10th of May 1883 at Withycombe, Somerset, and was the son of James Henry Cridland (1857-1934) and Mary Elizabeth Cridland nee Webber (1863-1928). His siblings were: Edward George Cridland (1885–1959), Gilbert Sidney Cridland (1887–1947), William John Cridland MM (1896-1957) and Herbert Cridland (1904–1972).
During WW1 he served as Driver T2632 (Later 508258) in the Royal Engineers, and also Driver 20241 in the Somerset Light Infantry.
He died at Carhampton, Somerset, in 1967, aged 84 years, and was buried at Saint John the Baptist Churchyard, Carhampton.
During WW1 he served as Driver T2632 (Later 508258) in the Royal Engineers, and also Driver 20241 in the Somerset Light Infantry.
He died at Carhampton, Somerset, in 1967, aged 84 years, and was buried at Saint John the Baptist Churchyard, Carhampton.
John Cridland
He was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset, in 1885 and in WW1 served as Sapper 215770 in the Royal Engineers.
Sidney Thomas Cridland (1893-1964)
He was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset, on the 22nd of June 1893 and was one of five children of Robert Cridland (b.1851) of Old Cleeve and Elizabeth Cridland nee Binden (b.1856) of Bilbrook. In WW1 Sidney served as Private 32284 in the East Lancashire Regiment. He died at his home on Exmoor, aged 71 years, in 1964.
William John Cridland MM (1896-1957)
He was born on the 11th of October 1896 at Washford, Somerset, and was the son of James Henry Cridland (1857-1934) and Mary Elizabeth Cridland nee Webber (1863-1928). His siblings were: James Henry Cridland (1883–1967), Edward George Cridland (1885–1959), Gilbert Sidney Cridland (1887–1947), and Herbert Cridland (1904–1972).
In WW1 William served as Private 240190 in the Somerset Light Infantry, and during his service he was awarded the Military Medal (MM) - for bravery in battle on land.
In 1926, at St Andrew's Church, Old Cleeve, he married Winifred Elizabeth Burnett of Washford (1902-1989). William died on Christmas Day (25th December) 1957, aged 61 years. He was buried at St Andrew's Churchyard, Old Cleeve and shares a gravesite with his wife; Winifred, who died in 1989.
In WW1 William served as Private 240190 in the Somerset Light Infantry, and during his service he was awarded the Military Medal (MM) - for bravery in battle on land.
In 1926, at St Andrew's Church, Old Cleeve, he married Winifred Elizabeth Burnett of Washford (1902-1989). William died on Christmas Day (25th December) 1957, aged 61 years. He was buried at St Andrew's Churchyard, Old Cleeve and shares a gravesite with his wife; Winifred, who died in 1989.
Walter Crews
In WW1 he served as Private 201930 Hampshire Regiment.
Frank Date (1892-1948)
He was born in 1892, and in WW1 served as Private 240294 in the Somerset Light Infantry.
He died aged 56 on the 18th of August 1948, and was buried at plot 762 of Wellington Cemetery, Somerset.
He died aged 56 on the 18th of August 1948, and was buried at plot 762 of Wellington Cemetery, Somerset.
Walter Henry Davey
In WW1 he served as Acting Serjeant 240195 in the Somerset Light Infantry.
Reginald John Knill Dovell (1890-1981)
He was born at Combe Martin, Devon, on the 14th of May 1890 and during WW1 served as Corporal 104 (Later 620011) Royal Horse Artillery Transport before gaining a commission as a Second Lieutenant (Later Lieutenant) in the Royal Field Artillery. He died in Taunton, Somerset, on the 28th of July 1981, aged 91 years.
Ernest Henry James Hayes “Ern” Duddridge (1889-1989)
He was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset on the 13th of August 1889 and was known as 'Ern'. In WW1 he served as Private 241679 Somerset Light Infantry, and in WW2 served in the local Home Guard. He was the brother of Edward John Duddridge (1894-1952) who in WW1 served as Private 241678 Somerset Light Infantry. Ernest died on the 6th of June 1989, aged 99 years, and was buried atSt Decuman's Churchyard, Watchet, Somerset.
Robert Eaton
In WW1 he served as Serjeant GS/17245 Lancers, then Serjeant L/10809 Lancers, and was promoted to Second Lieutenant in the Reserve Regiment 3rd Hussars.
Ivor Charles Edwards (1896-?)
He was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset, in 1896 and during WW1 served as Private 295624 in the Somerset Light Infantry.
William Edwards
In WW1 he served as Private 241835 in the Somerset Light Infantry.
Lewis Elworthy
In WW1 he served as Driver 1731 (later 506474) in the Royal Engineers.
Robin Ormerod Evered (1894-1961)
He was born at Washford, Somerset, on the 21st of June 1894 and was one of six children of Thomas Evered (1855-1925) of Kilve. Somerset, and Mary Eliza Ormerod (1856-1902). His siblings were: Marjory Kate Stoate nee Evered (1885-1968), Mary Lillian Evered (b.1887), Eric Ormerod Evered (1889–1978), Joscelyne 'Joy' Evered (1893-1955), and Ivy J. Evered (b.1899).
In WW1 he served as Private 925 in the West Somerset Yeomanry, and later as Private 27648 in the Somerset Light Infantry. Robin was injured by shelling, resulting in his left foot having to be amputated and, consequently, he was awarded the Silver War Badge. The badge, sometimes known as the "Discharge Badge", was introduced as an award for having received wounds or injury during war service, and being then unfit for continued service. A secondary causation for its introduction was to stop the practice where some women took it upon themselves to confront and publicly embarrass men of fighting age they saw in public places who were not in military uniform. The issue of the badge was a means of showing they were not cowards, and had served honourably. In 1929 he married Frances Ellen Spiller (1893-1983) of chard, Somerset. He died on the 26th of January 1961 at Crowcombe, Somerset, aged 66 years. |
John Evett
In WW1 he served as Private 4228 (later 241676) in the Somerset Light Infantry. His name appears on both the Old Cleeve and Nettlecombe Rolls of Honour.
John Fifuel (1888-1975)
He was born at Sandhurst, Kent on the 11th of August 1888 and in WW1 served as Private 25930 in the Somerset Light Infantry, and also as Private 593373 in the Labour Corps. His wife was Sarah Ann Fifuel (1881-1953). John died in Dunster, Somerset, in 1975, aged 86 years.
George Gibbs
In WW1 he served as Private 56276 in the Devonshire Regiment, and also Private 101014 in the Labour Corps.
Edgar Claude Gooding (1888-1973)
He was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset, on the 23rd of November 1888.
In WW1 he enlisted in 1916 to become a Driver (Motor Transport) in the Royal Flying Corps (Service No. 31318).
He married Dorothy Tremlett (1900-1981).
He died on the 6th of May 1973, aged 84 years, and was buried at St Andrew's Churchyard, Old Cleeve, where he shares a grave with his wife.
In WW1 he enlisted in 1916 to become a Driver (Motor Transport) in the Royal Flying Corps (Service No. 31318).
He married Dorothy Tremlett (1900-1981).
He died on the 6th of May 1973, aged 84 years, and was buried at St Andrew's Churchyard, Old Cleeve, where he shares a grave with his wife.
Harold William Gooding (1889-1974)
He was born at Roadwater, Somerset, on the 28th of August 1889, and was the son of Arthur William Tremlett Gooding (1855–1938) and Fannie Pearse Gooding nee Stone (1863–1950). His two siblings were: Ralph Arthur Gooding (?–1890) who died as an infant, and Claud Thomas Gooding (1891–1960).
In WW1 he initially served as Serjeant 66320 in the Royal Army Medical Corps, before transferring as
Serjeant 66320 in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He later gained a commission to become a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery.
His wife was Margaret Gooding (1909-1980).
Harold died at Watchet, Somerset, on the 18th of August 1974, aged 84 years. He and his wife share a grave site at St Andrew's Churchyard, Old Cleeve.
In WW1 he initially served as Serjeant 66320 in the Royal Army Medical Corps, before transferring as
Serjeant 66320 in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He later gained a commission to become a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery.
His wife was Margaret Gooding (1909-1980).
Harold died at Watchet, Somerset, on the 18th of August 1974, aged 84 years. He and his wife share a grave site at St Andrew's Churchyard, Old Cleeve.
Wallace Gould (1878-1944)
He was born on the 9th of February 1878 at Old Cleeve, Somerset, and in WW1 served as Private 20056 in the Somerset Light Infantry and then as Sapper T2621 (later 508248) in the 505th Company of the Royal Engineers. He died on the 22nd of May 1944, aged 66 years, and was buried at St Andrew's Churchyard, Old Cleeve.
Augustus John Griffiths (1887-1932)
He was born in Carhampton, Somerset, on the 20th of January 1886, and in WW1 served as Private 202463 in the Somerset Light Infantry. In 1919, at St Andrew's Church, Old Cleeve.
He married Ellen Williams (1888-1955) of Old Cleeve, and in 1921 they had a son; Cecil John Griffiths (1921-1944).
Augustus died on the 13th of January 1932, aged 45 years. His grave is a side-by-side plot at St Andrew's Churchyard, Old Cleve, that he shares with his wife; Ellen - who died in 1955.
In WW2 their son; Cecil, was killed in action in Italy whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion of the London Irish Rifles.
He married Ellen Williams (1888-1955) of Old Cleeve, and in 1921 they had a son; Cecil John Griffiths (1921-1944).
Augustus died on the 13th of January 1932, aged 45 years. His grave is a side-by-side plot at St Andrew's Churchyard, Old Cleve, that he shares with his wife; Ellen - who died in 1955.
In WW2 their son; Cecil, was killed in action in Italy whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion of the London Irish Rifles.
William Hutchings
In WW1 he served as Corporal M2/188597 in the Army Service Corps.
Frederick Leslie Jenkins (1896-1971)
He was born in Washford, Somerset, on the 31st of January 1896. In WW1 served as Acting Serjeant 23052 in the Gloucestershire Regiment and Acting Serjeant 78560 in the Manchester Regiment. He died at Plymouth, Devon in 1971, aged 75 years.
Harry Lionel Jenkins (1888-1933)
He was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset, on the 20th of January 1888, and in WW1 served as a Lieutenant in the Machine Gun Corps.
He died atWashford, Somerset, on the 14th of September 1933, aged 45 years, and was buried at St Andrew's Churchyard, Old Cleeve.
He died atWashford, Somerset, on the 14th of September 1933, aged 45 years, and was buried at St Andrew's Churchyard, Old Cleeve.
Bernard Walter Rapsom Keeble (1882-1943)
He was born at Bingham, Nottinghamshire, in 1882.
In WW1 he served as Sapper 322200 in the Labour Corps. He was awarded the Silver War Badge - Honourable Discharge due to injury.
He died in 1943 at Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
In WW1 he served as Sapper 322200 in the Labour Corps. He was awarded the Silver War Badge - Honourable Discharge due to injury.
He died in 1943 at Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Walter John Vincent Keeble (1887-1947)
He was born at the village of Edwardstone, near Sudbury, Suffolk, on the 21st of July 1887. In WW1 he served in the Royal Navy, Service Number 231499.
He died in 1947 aged 60 years.
He died in 1947 aged 60 years.
Willian Henry Langdon (1895-1965)
He was born on the 15th of August 1895 at Old Cleeve, Somerset and was the son of William Henry Langdon (1857-1919) and his wife; Elizabeth Langdon (1858-1946). His father had previously served in the Royal Navy.
In WW1 he served as Private 31640 Royal Welsh Fusiliers. In 1925 he married Florence Gertrude Donovan (1892-1965) of Luton, Bedfordshire.
He died at Rochford, Essex, on the 25th of September 1965, aged 70 years, and was buried at Sutton Road Cemetery, Southend-on-Sea, where he shares a grave with his wife.
In WW1 he served as Private 31640 Royal Welsh Fusiliers. In 1925 he married Florence Gertrude Donovan (1892-1965) of Luton, Bedfordshire.
He died at Rochford, Essex, on the 25th of September 1965, aged 70 years, and was buried at Sutton Road Cemetery, Southend-on-Sea, where he shares a grave with his wife.
Cecil John Lyddon (1895-1949)
He was born at Roadwater, Somerset in 1895 and later resided at Nettlecombe, Somerset. In WW1 he served as Private S4/122897 in the Army Service Corps. Cecil died at Sturminster Newton, Dorset in 1949, aged 54 years.
John Lisle Lysaght (1889-?)
He was born in 1889 at Five Dock, New South Wales, Australia, and was the son of Arthur Royse Lysaght (1864-1920) and May Lysaght nee Prendergast (1866-1889). His father was a director and part-owner of an Australian corrugated iron business and an industrialist. The Lysaght family ancestry came from Irish nobility.
John's mother died in childbirth in 1889 and, with his father spending lengthy periods away on business in Australia, John spent much of his childhood and early adult life with his Uncle and Aunt; William Lysaght and Charity Elizabeth nee Haines of Twopothouse, Caherduggan, County Cork, Ireland. He would also stay with his other Uncle and Aunt; Gerald Stuart Lysaght (1869-1951) and Nina Beatrice Lysaught nee Press (1865-1947) at their home of Chapel Cleeve Manor, Chapel Cleeve, Somerset. During WW1 he served as, firstly; Temporary Second Lieutenant with the 2nd Life Guards, and then from the 11th of March, 1916 as Second Lieutenant in the Irish Guards. On the 6th of November 1917 the French Military bestowed upon him the 'Croix de Guerre'. The award was commonly bestowed on foreign military forces allied to France to those soldiers who distinguish themselves by acts of heroism involving combat with the enemy. John's Uncle; Gerald Stuart Lysaght (1869-1951) was a local industrialist, land owner and philanthropist. He donated the Lysaght Hall and Club to the village of Old Cleeve in 1923 for the benefit of his estate workers. He also built the local alms houses, donated land for the war memorial and increased the ring of bells in St. Andrew's church from six to eight. In 1948 he also donated the clock in St Andrew's church tower. |
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Henry Daniel Lysons (1898-1963)
He was born at Devonport, Plymouth, Devon, on the 1st of October 1898 and was the son of Colonel Henry Lysons VC CB (1858-1907) and Vandah Louise De Bretton Treffry (1874 -1924).
His family had a long and influential military background, and he was the grandson of General Sir Daniel Lysons GCB (1816-1898). Henry Daniel Lysons pursued a military career from an early age. In WW1 he served as a Second Lieutenant, then Lieutenant, in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1917 but after crashing a plane in France he returned to the UK for further pilot training but then, under the Air Ministry, returned to France working for the Royal Artillery. In the inter-war years he was in Iraq and India and gained the rank of Major. On the 17th of September 1938, at St John's Church, Hampstead, London, he married Sylvia Francesca Treffry (1903-1990). |
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During WW2 he served with 2nd Corps, crossing to France to join the British Expeditionary Force at the end of September 1939. 2nd Corps took part in the advance into Belgium to resist the German invasion, before being pushed back with the rest of the BEF to Dunkirk during the Battle of France. Henry was Mentioned In Dispatches at Dunkirk. After Dunkirk he served in both Greece and North Africa.
He died at Horley, Surrey, on the 8th of April 1963, aged 64 years. |
Percy Milton
In WW1 he served as Private 2323 (later 240712) in the Somerset Light Infantry.
William Milton
In WW1 he served as Private 240199 King's Shropshire Light Infantry, and as Private 269523 Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
Albert John Moggridge (1891-?)
He was born at Carhampton, Somerset, in 1891 and was one of nine children of Arthur George Moggridge (1867-?) and Fanny Moggridge nee Cook (1863-?). In WW1 Albert served as Private 1461 in the Somerset Light Infantry, and was later promoted to Corporal 240201 in the Somerset Light Infantry.
Arthur George Moggridge
He was born at Carhampton, Somerset, and was one of nine children of Arthur George Moggridge (1867-?) and Fanny Moggridge nee Cook (1863-?).
During WW1 he served at Private 9494 in the Coldstream Guards.
During WW1 he served at Private 9494 in the Coldstream Guards.
Thomas George Perkins
In WW1 he served as Acting Corporal 203023 in the Somerset Light Infantry.
John Pope
In WW1 he served as Private 45134 in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Raymond Pope
In WW1 he served as Private 241981 in the Somerset Light Infantry.
George Reed (1895-?)
He was born at Old Cleeve, Somerset, on the 8th of April1895.
On the 5th of September he enlisted into the Royal Navy and, eventually, became Corporal 13650 of the Royal Marine Artillery.
On the 5th of September he enlisted into the Royal Navy and, eventually, became Corporal 13650 of the Royal Marine Artillery.
John Reed
In WW1 he served as Private 240194 in the Somerset Light Infantry.
Herbert Frank Rowe
In WW1 he served as Private 101489 in the Dragoons.
Leonard Rowe (1899-?)
He was born at Dunster, Somerset, on the 13th of March 1899. In WW1 he served as Able Seaman J36349 in the Royal Navy, aboard the Battleship HMS Revenge.
HMS Revenge was the lead ship of the 'Revenge Class' Battleships of the Royal Navy. She was commissioned in 1916 serving in the 1st Battle Squadron and was under the command of Captain Edward Buxton KIddle. The ship saw action at the 'Battle of Jutland' on May 31st–June 1st, 1916, where it registered five hits on the German Battlecruiser; SMS Derfflinger, two of which caused explosions within the main gun turrets. One hit was registered on the German Battlecruiser; SMS Von der Tann, damaging her superstructure. By the end of the battle HMS Revenge had fired 102 armour piercing shells from her main armament and 87 rounds from her 6 inch guns.
HMS Revenge was the lead ship of the 'Revenge Class' Battleships of the Royal Navy. She was commissioned in 1916 serving in the 1st Battle Squadron and was under the command of Captain Edward Buxton KIddle. The ship saw action at the 'Battle of Jutland' on May 31st–June 1st, 1916, where it registered five hits on the German Battlecruiser; SMS Derfflinger, two of which caused explosions within the main gun turrets. One hit was registered on the German Battlecruiser; SMS Von der Tann, damaging her superstructure. By the end of the battle HMS Revenge had fired 102 armour piercing shells from her main armament and 87 rounds from her 6 inch guns.
Edwin Stevens
In WW1 he served as Private 2324 (later 240713) in the Somerset Light Infantry.
Henry Stevens
In WW1 he served as Private 1459 (later 240200) in the Somerset Light Infantry.
Philip Taylor (1885-1962)
He was born in 1885 and was the son of William Taylor (1859-1923) and Mary Ann Taylor (1860-1925) of Carhampton, Somerset. Philip was the elder brother of Henry Taylor (1888-1943).
In WW1 Philip served in the Royal Engineers as Sapper 74669. He died on December the 3rd 1962, aged 77 years, and is buried in a shared family grave plot at St John the Baptist Churchyard, Carhampton.
In WW1 Philip served in the Royal Engineers as Sapper 74669. He died on December the 3rd 1962, aged 77 years, and is buried in a shared family grave plot at St John the Baptist Churchyard, Carhampton.
Samuel Henry Taylor (1876-1950)
He was born in Ledbury, Herefordshire, in 1876 and was the son of Samuel Taylor (1848-1932) and Mary Taylor nee Evans (1854-?)
He married Mary Nicholas Stevens (1874-1952) and resided at 'Pebbles' in the village of Washford, Somerset. Prior to WW1 he worked at the nearby Paper Mill in Watchet, whilst his wife was a school teacher and later the headmistress of the village school at Old Cleeve. In WW1 Samuel served in the Royal Engineers as Sapper T2618 (later 508245), and also in the Somerset Light Infantry as Sapper 20113.
Their son; Ernest Henry Taylor (1899-1918) also served in WW1. He was a Lance Corporal in the 'Princess Charlotte’s' 2nd/4th Royal Berkshire Regiment, and was killed in action in France in 1918.
Samuel Henry Taylor died in 1950, aged 74 years.
He married Mary Nicholas Stevens (1874-1952) and resided at 'Pebbles' in the village of Washford, Somerset. Prior to WW1 he worked at the nearby Paper Mill in Watchet, whilst his wife was a school teacher and later the headmistress of the village school at Old Cleeve. In WW1 Samuel served in the Royal Engineers as Sapper T2618 (later 508245), and also in the Somerset Light Infantry as Sapper 20113.
Their son; Ernest Henry Taylor (1899-1918) also served in WW1. He was a Lance Corporal in the 'Princess Charlotte’s' 2nd/4th Royal Berkshire Regiment, and was killed in action in France in 1918.
Samuel Henry Taylor died in 1950, aged 74 years.
CAPTAIN Jack Purnell Webb (1893-1918)
Captain Jack Purnell Webb
Gloucestershire Regiment
Date of death: 22/08/1918 (aged 25)
Cemetery: BAGNEUX BRITISH CEMETERY, GEZAINCOURT, France
Son of Alfred Purnell Webb and Marion Alice Webb, of 37, Shadwell Rd., Bristol. Born at Old Cleeve, Somerset. Scholar Jesus College, Oxford, Oct., 1912, II. Class Honours Classical Mods., 1914.
CAPTAINJACK PURNELL WEBB
Regiment & Unit/Ship
Gloucestershire Regiment 12th Bn.
Died 22 August 1918 Age 25 years old
Not on old cleve memorial
Gloucestershire Regiment
Date of death: 22/08/1918 (aged 25)
Cemetery: BAGNEUX BRITISH CEMETERY, GEZAINCOURT, France
Son of Alfred Purnell Webb and Marion Alice Webb, of 37, Shadwell Rd., Bristol. Born at Old Cleeve, Somerset. Scholar Jesus College, Oxford, Oct., 1912, II. Class Honours Classical Mods., 1914.
CAPTAINJACK PURNELL WEBB
Regiment & Unit/Ship
Gloucestershire Regiment 12th Bn.
Died 22 August 1918 Age 25 years old
Not on old cleve memorial
William Westcott
In WW1 he served as Private 201974 in the Hampshire Regiment.