LIRUTENANT COMMANDER John Joseph Arkwright (1901-1942)
He was born on the 10th of June 1901 at Parndon Hall, Parndon, Essex, and was baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church, Latton, Essex on the 21st of July 1901. His parents were Loftus Joseph Wigram Arkwright (1866-1950) Lord of the Manor of Little Parndon, and Julia Smith Caldwell (1870-1933), and his twin brother was Cdr. Godfrey Wigram Arkwright, DSC, RN. In 1912 his father Loftus J.W. Arkwright was divorced by his wife, who claimed he was violent and had affairs with their servants; she took her sons with her to live at Porlock, Somerset, whilst her ex-husband remained at Parndon Hall and is said to have become reclusive.
After being educated at Summerfields preparatory school in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, he joined the Royal Navy as an Officer Cadet in 1915. Lieutenant Commander John Joseph Arkwright was serving on the escort aircraft carrier, HMS Avenger, protecting a convoy heading home from Gibraltar, when she was sunk by a German U-boat. At 04.14 hours on 15 Nov 1942, U-155 fired a spread of four torpedoes at convoy MKF-1Y about 120 miles northwest of Gibraltar and heard three detonations but was not able to make visual observations. The Ettrick and HMS Avenger (D 14) were sunk and USS Almaack (AK 27) was damaged. HMS Avenger (D 14) was hit by one torpedo, which ignited her bomb load and blew out the centre section of the ship. She sank within two minutes. The survivors were rescued by HNoMS Glaisdale but further searches for more survivors proved fruitless. John Joseph Arkwright was 41 years old at the time of his death. Two years earlier he had been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his part in the evacuation of Allied forces from Dunkirk and Western France. In addition to the Polock War Memorial his name is also recorded on the Chatham Naval Memorial. |
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Robert Baker (1872-1916)
He was born in Minehead in 1872 and was the son of William Baker (1841-?) and Jane Baker nee Chapman (1839-1910). He was baptised by the Revd Thomas Fownes Luttrell, vicar of Dunster, at the Parish Church of St Andrew in Minehead on the 9th of June 1872. Robert's Father was an Agricultural Labourer and he and his family lived in Alcombe. Robert's siblings were: William Baker (1871-1921), James Baker (1873-1956), John Baker (1875-1951), Thomas Baker (1876-1929), Edwin Baker (1878-1918), & Eliza Baker (1879-1962). By 1891, aged 18 years, he had moved to Porlock and was residing at The Royal Oak Inn, High Street, Porlock, where he worked as a Farm Labourer for Michael Ridler (An Inn Keeper & Farmer).
When War came in 1914 Robert joined the Army and served as Private 12048 of B Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Division, Prince Albert's (Somerset Light Infantry). His division was sent to France and were landed at Le Havre on the 22nd of August 1914. On the 1st of July 1916 the 1st Battalion were involved in the assault on the village Beaumont Hamel - a prolonged event which was to last until the 18th of November 1916. However, Robert was killed on the 9th of August 1916 by Gas Poisoning when the German's used Mustard Gas on the British Trenches. He is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, Arrondissement Ieper, West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen), Belgium PLOT VIII. D. 7.
NOTE: His younger brother; Edwin Baker was also killed during WW1 and is commemorated on the Minehead War Memorial.
He was born in Minehead in 1872 and was the son of William Baker (1841-?) and Jane Baker nee Chapman (1839-1910). He was baptised by the Revd Thomas Fownes Luttrell, vicar of Dunster, at the Parish Church of St Andrew in Minehead on the 9th of June 1872. Robert's Father was an Agricultural Labourer and he and his family lived in Alcombe. Robert's siblings were: William Baker (1871-1921), James Baker (1873-1956), John Baker (1875-1951), Thomas Baker (1876-1929), Edwin Baker (1878-1918), & Eliza Baker (1879-1962). By 1891, aged 18 years, he had moved to Porlock and was residing at The Royal Oak Inn, High Street, Porlock, where he worked as a Farm Labourer for Michael Ridler (An Inn Keeper & Farmer).
When War came in 1914 Robert joined the Army and served as Private 12048 of B Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Division, Prince Albert's (Somerset Light Infantry). His division was sent to France and were landed at Le Havre on the 22nd of August 1914. On the 1st of July 1916 the 1st Battalion were involved in the assault on the village Beaumont Hamel - a prolonged event which was to last until the 18th of November 1916. However, Robert was killed on the 9th of August 1916 by Gas Poisoning when the German's used Mustard Gas on the British Trenches. He is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, Arrondissement Ieper, West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen), Belgium PLOT VIII. D. 7.
NOTE: His younger brother; Edwin Baker was also killed during WW1 and is commemorated on the Minehead War Memorial.
Montmorency Beaumont Beaumont-Checkland (1883-1917)
He was born at 25 Ventnor Villas, Hove, Sussex, on the 16th of November 1883 and was the younger son of William Checkland (1852–1940) and Amy Holford De Beaumont Beaumont (1855–1939) of 44 South Eaton Place, Belgravia, London, and of Porlock, Somerset. He had two siblings: Aimee Beaumont Checkland (1877–1953), and Henry Beaumont Beaumont-Checkland (Colonel of the 1/5th Battalion Sherwood Foresters M.C. J.P. (1878–1928). He was educated at Newton College, Newton Abbot, Devon, and Uppingham School in the County of Rutland, before entering St John's College, Cambridge, in October 1902. He passed Part 1 of the Law Tripos and took his degree through the special Examination in Law. He was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple on the 18th of November 1912 and joined the Midland Circuit. He was an athlete, winning the quarter-mile at the age of 8 at his first school and at the St John's Sports in 1904, while at college he also played hockey and cricket in 1904-5. Later he won the 300 yards officers' race in the Yeomanry regimental sports. A good all-round sportsman, he played golf and hunted regularly, especially with the Devon & Somerset staghounds. He was a member of the Junior Carlton Club.
At the outbreak of WW1 Montmorency applied for a commission in the West Somerset Yeomanry, and as there was no vacancy served in the ranks temporarily. He obtained his commission as Second Lieutenant in the regiment on the 7th of October 1914. Having served for two years and his regiment being in England, he volunteered for service abroad and was sent out with a draft in September 1916, being attached to the Somerset Light Infantry. A great-grandson of Guillaume, Vicomte de Beaumont-et-Maine, he fought not only for England but for the land of his ancestors. On the 17th of August 1917, at the Battle of Langemarck, in Flanders, Belgium, he led up a small reinforcement to hold the line against a strong counter-attack and fell (was killed) within four miles of the Memorial. Lieutenant Beaumont-Checkland of the Somerset Yeomanry attached to the Somerset Light Infantry, was killed in action on the 17th of August 1917. He was aged 33 years and 274 days.
With regard to his career at the Bar the barrister under whom he worked wrote after his death: "It was a great shock to us all in chambers to hear of his death. We shall all miss him very much, as he was liked by everyone. I had personally become much attached to him, and hoped to have had him with me for many years. It is sad to think that a career which had so much promise in it should end thus. He had obtained his first brief and had conducted the case successfully, besides being second counsel in many other law cases." In a letter to his parents the Colonel of his Yeomanry wrote: "I hope you will allow me to say how sorry I and all my regiment are for you in your sad loss, and at the same time I and all who were his brother officers feel so proud of him and his glorious example and bravery. He is I believe the first officer of the regiment to fall in action. Your son was always popular with all ranks. He was a great athlete, and was always ready to join in any fun that was going on, and was a capital officer at his job. He got a first class in musketry, and would probably have done equally well in any future courses if he had not gone overseas. He was recommended for promotion before he went out, but owing to various delays he was not gazetted Lieutenant till the beginning of August this year." The Colonel of the Somerset Light Infantry wrote: "Your son was killed on August 17th, gallantly leading his platoon to reinforce the assaulting line in the attack on an enemy trench under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. He was shot through the heart and killed instantaneously. He took part in the capture of the village of Langemarcke on the 16th, and all through the fighting shewed the greatest gallantry and coolness and was a splendid example to his men. I saw him leading his platoon into action on the 17th at 6.30 p.m. about an hour before he was killed. He was a great favourite with all the ranks, and his loss is deeply mourned by us all." A brother officer wrote of him: "I was near him all through the attack, and saw for myself what a fine example he set to everybody, especially when he was left in command of the company. He was a jolly good chap, and I am sure he would have been recommended if he had lived, as he did awfully good work in keeping the company together. He was killed when leading his men over, and had come through the first day untouched. We shall all miss him very much, and all wish to offer our sympathy to you in your loss." The Chaplain's letter said: "We all loved him. He was absolutely without fear, and was moving about regardless of shells. I heard the Adjutant remark, 'Is not Checkland great under fire?' His company had a very difficult job in the attack on Langemarcke, but they did it. I was speaking to him on the afternoon of the day he was hit, and he lent me a couple of men to get some wounded men out of the shell holes. At night there was another attack, and it was while going across the open that you gallant son was hit and instantaneously killed. He is laid to rest near the village of Langemarcke, a place that will ever be famous in the history of his battalion. As the Bishop says of him, 'He died as a brave man should.'" A memorial service was held on September 7th 1917 at St Peter's Church, Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, attended by his family and friends, and an officer representing The West Somerset Yeomanry. The regimental trumpeters were also sent.
In addition to the Porlock War memorial, his name is also recorded on the Tyne Cot Memorial (Panel 3) at Zonnebeke, Arrondissement Ieper, West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen), Belgium. His name is also recorded on the War Memorial from Mapperley Colliery in Derbyshire, which his grandfather and father once owned. This actual memorial was once located at the Mapperley Colliery Memorial Hall - which was used by residents from the surrounding villages, with Tennis Courts and Bowling Green. The hall was opened on Station Road, West Hallam in 1920 but demolished in 2005. The memorial has since been relocated to beside the West Hallam village War memorial.
He was born at 25 Ventnor Villas, Hove, Sussex, on the 16th of November 1883 and was the younger son of William Checkland (1852–1940) and Amy Holford De Beaumont Beaumont (1855–1939) of 44 South Eaton Place, Belgravia, London, and of Porlock, Somerset. He had two siblings: Aimee Beaumont Checkland (1877–1953), and Henry Beaumont Beaumont-Checkland (Colonel of the 1/5th Battalion Sherwood Foresters M.C. J.P. (1878–1928). He was educated at Newton College, Newton Abbot, Devon, and Uppingham School in the County of Rutland, before entering St John's College, Cambridge, in October 1902. He passed Part 1 of the Law Tripos and took his degree through the special Examination in Law. He was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple on the 18th of November 1912 and joined the Midland Circuit. He was an athlete, winning the quarter-mile at the age of 8 at his first school and at the St John's Sports in 1904, while at college he also played hockey and cricket in 1904-5. Later he won the 300 yards officers' race in the Yeomanry regimental sports. A good all-round sportsman, he played golf and hunted regularly, especially with the Devon & Somerset staghounds. He was a member of the Junior Carlton Club.
At the outbreak of WW1 Montmorency applied for a commission in the West Somerset Yeomanry, and as there was no vacancy served in the ranks temporarily. He obtained his commission as Second Lieutenant in the regiment on the 7th of October 1914. Having served for two years and his regiment being in England, he volunteered for service abroad and was sent out with a draft in September 1916, being attached to the Somerset Light Infantry. A great-grandson of Guillaume, Vicomte de Beaumont-et-Maine, he fought not only for England but for the land of his ancestors. On the 17th of August 1917, at the Battle of Langemarck, in Flanders, Belgium, he led up a small reinforcement to hold the line against a strong counter-attack and fell (was killed) within four miles of the Memorial. Lieutenant Beaumont-Checkland of the Somerset Yeomanry attached to the Somerset Light Infantry, was killed in action on the 17th of August 1917. He was aged 33 years and 274 days.
With regard to his career at the Bar the barrister under whom he worked wrote after his death: "It was a great shock to us all in chambers to hear of his death. We shall all miss him very much, as he was liked by everyone. I had personally become much attached to him, and hoped to have had him with me for many years. It is sad to think that a career which had so much promise in it should end thus. He had obtained his first brief and had conducted the case successfully, besides being second counsel in many other law cases." In a letter to his parents the Colonel of his Yeomanry wrote: "I hope you will allow me to say how sorry I and all my regiment are for you in your sad loss, and at the same time I and all who were his brother officers feel so proud of him and his glorious example and bravery. He is I believe the first officer of the regiment to fall in action. Your son was always popular with all ranks. He was a great athlete, and was always ready to join in any fun that was going on, and was a capital officer at his job. He got a first class in musketry, and would probably have done equally well in any future courses if he had not gone overseas. He was recommended for promotion before he went out, but owing to various delays he was not gazetted Lieutenant till the beginning of August this year." The Colonel of the Somerset Light Infantry wrote: "Your son was killed on August 17th, gallantly leading his platoon to reinforce the assaulting line in the attack on an enemy trench under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. He was shot through the heart and killed instantaneously. He took part in the capture of the village of Langemarcke on the 16th, and all through the fighting shewed the greatest gallantry and coolness and was a splendid example to his men. I saw him leading his platoon into action on the 17th at 6.30 p.m. about an hour before he was killed. He was a great favourite with all the ranks, and his loss is deeply mourned by us all." A brother officer wrote of him: "I was near him all through the attack, and saw for myself what a fine example he set to everybody, especially when he was left in command of the company. He was a jolly good chap, and I am sure he would have been recommended if he had lived, as he did awfully good work in keeping the company together. He was killed when leading his men over, and had come through the first day untouched. We shall all miss him very much, and all wish to offer our sympathy to you in your loss." The Chaplain's letter said: "We all loved him. He was absolutely without fear, and was moving about regardless of shells. I heard the Adjutant remark, 'Is not Checkland great under fire?' His company had a very difficult job in the attack on Langemarcke, but they did it. I was speaking to him on the afternoon of the day he was hit, and he lent me a couple of men to get some wounded men out of the shell holes. At night there was another attack, and it was while going across the open that you gallant son was hit and instantaneously killed. He is laid to rest near the village of Langemarcke, a place that will ever be famous in the history of his battalion. As the Bishop says of him, 'He died as a brave man should.'" A memorial service was held on September 7th 1917 at St Peter's Church, Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, attended by his family and friends, and an officer representing The West Somerset Yeomanry. The regimental trumpeters were also sent.
In addition to the Porlock War memorial, his name is also recorded on the Tyne Cot Memorial (Panel 3) at Zonnebeke, Arrondissement Ieper, West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen), Belgium. His name is also recorded on the War Memorial from Mapperley Colliery in Derbyshire, which his grandfather and father once owned. This actual memorial was once located at the Mapperley Colliery Memorial Hall - which was used by residents from the surrounding villages, with Tennis Courts and Bowling Green. The hall was opened on Station Road, West Hallam in 1920 but demolished in 2005. The memorial has since been relocated to beside the West Hallam village War memorial.
Edward James Binding (1897-1918)
He was known as "James" and was born at Spaxton, Somerset, in 1897. He was baptised at the Church of St Margaret in Spaxton on the 6th of June 1897. He was the son of Charles Binding (1864-1940) and Mary Ann Binding nee Hale (1861-1947). He had five siblings: Samuel Hale Binding (1893–1970), Eliza Jane Binding (1896–1993), John Everard Hale Binding (1898–1955), Martha Ellen Binding (1900–1985), and George Binding (1904–1975). His father: Charles, was an agricultural labourer and Carter on a farm and by 1901 the family were residing at Vinnicombe nr Minehead (Later renamed Tivington Heights and located a few miles from Minehead on the A39 towards Selworthy). By 1911, at age 14, he had moved to Bossington with his family and was employed at Buckethole Farm, Hawkcombe, as a "Cow Boy" His father worked at the same farm.
When war came he enlisted at Minehead into the West Somerset Yeomanry as Private 1730, later to become Private 295417 in the 12th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. The Somerset Light Infantry were part of the 74th (Yeomanry) Division. As their name suggests, the 12th Somersets had been formed from a regiment of the West Somerset Yeomanry. He served in Egypt before being sent to France, embarking at Alexandria, Egypt, on the 30th of April 1918, and landing at Marseilles, France, on the 7th of May 1918. The battalion was involved in the Second Battle of the Somme and then deployed to fight at The Battle of the Hindenburg Line, which began September on the 18th 1918. This battle was a key turning point in the Hundred Days Offensive that eventually led to the end of World War I. He died on the 22nd of September 1918 of wounds received during the Battle of the Hindenburg Line. He was buried at La Chapelette British and Indian Cemetery, Peronne, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France. (PLOT I. H. 8.). He is also remembered on his parent's grave located in Porlock Cemetery, and commemorated on the Porlock War Memorial.
He was known as "James" and was born at Spaxton, Somerset, in 1897. He was baptised at the Church of St Margaret in Spaxton on the 6th of June 1897. He was the son of Charles Binding (1864-1940) and Mary Ann Binding nee Hale (1861-1947). He had five siblings: Samuel Hale Binding (1893–1970), Eliza Jane Binding (1896–1993), John Everard Hale Binding (1898–1955), Martha Ellen Binding (1900–1985), and George Binding (1904–1975). His father: Charles, was an agricultural labourer and Carter on a farm and by 1901 the family were residing at Vinnicombe nr Minehead (Later renamed Tivington Heights and located a few miles from Minehead on the A39 towards Selworthy). By 1911, at age 14, he had moved to Bossington with his family and was employed at Buckethole Farm, Hawkcombe, as a "Cow Boy" His father worked at the same farm.
When war came he enlisted at Minehead into the West Somerset Yeomanry as Private 1730, later to become Private 295417 in the 12th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. The Somerset Light Infantry were part of the 74th (Yeomanry) Division. As their name suggests, the 12th Somersets had been formed from a regiment of the West Somerset Yeomanry. He served in Egypt before being sent to France, embarking at Alexandria, Egypt, on the 30th of April 1918, and landing at Marseilles, France, on the 7th of May 1918. The battalion was involved in the Second Battle of the Somme and then deployed to fight at The Battle of the Hindenburg Line, which began September on the 18th 1918. This battle was a key turning point in the Hundred Days Offensive that eventually led to the end of World War I. He died on the 22nd of September 1918 of wounds received during the Battle of the Hindenburg Line. He was buried at La Chapelette British and Indian Cemetery, Peronne, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France. (PLOT I. H. 8.). He is also remembered on his parent's grave located in Porlock Cemetery, and commemorated on the Porlock War Memorial.
John Jervis Blackmore (1894-1918)
He was born in Hawkcombe, Porlock, in 1894 and baptised at the Church of St. Dubricius in Porlock by the Rev. Walter Hook on the 1st of March 1896. John was the son of William Blackmore (1835-1904) and Elizabeth Mary Blackmore nee Jervis (1854-1930). His father was a general labourer. He had four siblings: Mary Elizabeth Blackmore (1888–1956), Grace Blackmore (1890–1983), Richard Blackmore (1892–1967), and Charles Blackmore (1897–1963).
After finishing school John was employed locally as a Farm Labourer before enlisting into the Army at Taunton on the 29th of July 1910. He signed-up for a period of 7 years in the regular army followed by 5 years in the reserves, becoming 9001 Private John J. Blackmore of the 2nd Battalion, Prince Albert's (Somerset Light Infantry). On the 4th of August 1914 the 2nd Battalion were stationed in Quetta, India as part of the 4th (Quetta) Division. They were transferred to 1st (Peshawar) Division in December 1917 and remained in India throughout the war. John died on the 9th of July 1918, aged 24 years. He is buried at the Quetta Government Cemetery, Plot XXVI, Row C, Grave No: 2758. In addition to the Porlock War Memorial, his name is also recorded on the Delhi (India Gate) Memorial, Face 1. His next of kin was recorded as Mrs Elizabeth Blackmore of 13 Council Houses, Porlock.
He was born in Hawkcombe, Porlock, in 1894 and baptised at the Church of St. Dubricius in Porlock by the Rev. Walter Hook on the 1st of March 1896. John was the son of William Blackmore (1835-1904) and Elizabeth Mary Blackmore nee Jervis (1854-1930). His father was a general labourer. He had four siblings: Mary Elizabeth Blackmore (1888–1956), Grace Blackmore (1890–1983), Richard Blackmore (1892–1967), and Charles Blackmore (1897–1963).
After finishing school John was employed locally as a Farm Labourer before enlisting into the Army at Taunton on the 29th of July 1910. He signed-up for a period of 7 years in the regular army followed by 5 years in the reserves, becoming 9001 Private John J. Blackmore of the 2nd Battalion, Prince Albert's (Somerset Light Infantry). On the 4th of August 1914 the 2nd Battalion were stationed in Quetta, India as part of the 4th (Quetta) Division. They were transferred to 1st (Peshawar) Division in December 1917 and remained in India throughout the war. John died on the 9th of July 1918, aged 24 years. He is buried at the Quetta Government Cemetery, Plot XXVI, Row C, Grave No: 2758. In addition to the Porlock War Memorial, his name is also recorded on the Delhi (India Gate) Memorial, Face 1. His next of kin was recorded as Mrs Elizabeth Blackmore of 13 Council Houses, Porlock.
Herbert Bowden (1890-1917)
He was born at Westholme, Newton St Cyres, Devon, and was the son of John Bowden (1844–1912) and Sarah Friend Bowden nee Crocker (1849–1919). His father was an Agricultural Labourer and Carter on a farm. By 1911, aged 20, Herbert had left home and was working at a Farm in Selworthy, nr Porlock, Somerset, for Farmer John Moorman. In 1916 he married Eva Gadd (1898–1985) of Sunnyside, Hawkcombe, Porlock, and on the 2nd of September 1916 the couple had a daughter: Ada Amelia Felicity Bowden (1916-1992).
When war came, he enlisted at Minehead, Somerset, into the Worcestershire Regiment as 29471 Private H. Bowden, and later was transferred into the 2nd/4th Battalion, of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry as 26040 Private H. Bowden. He died of wounds on the 9th of September 1917 from shelling during the preparations for the attack on Hill 35, near to Ypres, Belguim, during the 3rd battle of Ypres. He is buried at Wieltje Farm Cemetery (Row B. Grave 31) Ypres (Ieper), Arrondissement Ieper, West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen), Belgium. In additon to the Porlock War Memorial, his name is also recorded of on the Newton St Cyres War Memorial inside the church of St Cyr and St Julitta, Newton St Cyres, Devon. In 1919 he was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
He was born at Westholme, Newton St Cyres, Devon, and was the son of John Bowden (1844–1912) and Sarah Friend Bowden nee Crocker (1849–1919). His father was an Agricultural Labourer and Carter on a farm. By 1911, aged 20, Herbert had left home and was working at a Farm in Selworthy, nr Porlock, Somerset, for Farmer John Moorman. In 1916 he married Eva Gadd (1898–1985) of Sunnyside, Hawkcombe, Porlock, and on the 2nd of September 1916 the couple had a daughter: Ada Amelia Felicity Bowden (1916-1992).
When war came, he enlisted at Minehead, Somerset, into the Worcestershire Regiment as 29471 Private H. Bowden, and later was transferred into the 2nd/4th Battalion, of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry as 26040 Private H. Bowden. He died of wounds on the 9th of September 1917 from shelling during the preparations for the attack on Hill 35, near to Ypres, Belguim, during the 3rd battle of Ypres. He is buried at Wieltje Farm Cemetery (Row B. Grave 31) Ypres (Ieper), Arrondissement Ieper, West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen), Belgium. In additon to the Porlock War Memorial, his name is also recorded of on the Newton St Cyres War Memorial inside the church of St Cyr and St Julitta, Newton St Cyres, Devon. In 1919 he was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Gordon Henry Bryant (1917-1944)
He was born on the 21st of April 1917 at Porlock. Son of Harry Bryant (1881-1919) and Elizabeth Mary Bryant nee Chapman (1891-1975). In 1939 Gordon was residing at the home of William Court and his family in Williton and was employed as a Butcher's Assistant. On the 29th of August 1940 at Dunster he married Lucy M R Court (1921-?).
7905307 Corporal Gordon Henry Bryant served with the Royal Armoured Corps and subsequently the 15th/19th Kings' Royal Hussars, an armoured reconnaissance unit. He was killed on the 12th of May 1944, whilst training with his regiment in Northumberland. No details of his death were disclosed. He was 27. His grave is located in Grabbist Hill Cemetery, Dunster, and he is also remembered on the war memorial plaque on Dunster Memorial Hall.
His widow remarried in 1948 to John R. Cameron. (Last known as living in Minehead in 2002).
NOTE: His father's grave can be found at All Saints Church, Selworthy, whilst his mother's grave is at Porlock Cemetery. His sister, Gwendoline Mary Bryant (later Passmore, Later Bass) also has her grave in Porlock Cemetery.
He was born on the 21st of April 1917 at Porlock. Son of Harry Bryant (1881-1919) and Elizabeth Mary Bryant nee Chapman (1891-1975). In 1939 Gordon was residing at the home of William Court and his family in Williton and was employed as a Butcher's Assistant. On the 29th of August 1940 at Dunster he married Lucy M R Court (1921-?).
7905307 Corporal Gordon Henry Bryant served with the Royal Armoured Corps and subsequently the 15th/19th Kings' Royal Hussars, an armoured reconnaissance unit. He was killed on the 12th of May 1944, whilst training with his regiment in Northumberland. No details of his death were disclosed. He was 27. His grave is located in Grabbist Hill Cemetery, Dunster, and he is also remembered on the war memorial plaque on Dunster Memorial Hall.
His widow remarried in 1948 to John R. Cameron. (Last known as living in Minehead in 2002).
NOTE: His father's grave can be found at All Saints Church, Selworthy, whilst his mother's grave is at Porlock Cemetery. His sister, Gwendoline Mary Bryant (later Passmore, Later Bass) also has her grave in Porlock Cemetery.
Gilbert Howe Coles (1897-1917)
He was born in Pitminster, Somerset, in 1897 and was the son of Edward Mark Coles (1845-1900) and Arabella Coles nee Warren (1864-1901). Gilbert's father was a Police Constable. By 1911, with his parents both deceased, Gilbert had moved to Porlock and was living at the home of Frank Arnold (1877-1919) and Eliza Maria Arnold nee Coles (1872-1948) at Sparkhayes, Porlock. He was shown on the 1911 census as being the 'Step Brother in Law' to Frank Arnold, whilst in his military records Eliza Maria Arnold is recorded as his sister and guardian (She was a school mistress in Porlock), whilst Gilbert was employed as a Junior Clerk at Porlock Tannery. Now private residences and workshops, the Tannery is a series of buildings which once served the village as a tanning industry employing up to 30 men. Local hides were treated with bark from nearby scrub oak trees, producing leather for saddlery, harnesses and shoes. After several hundred years the Tannery business finally folded in the 1930s.
Records also show that it wasn't until age 14 that he was Baptised. This took place at the Church of St. Dubricius, Polock, on the 10th of December 1911.
When war came Gilbert enlisted into Prince Albert's Somerset Light Infantry, 7th Battalion. Regimental Number: 22422, and rose to the rank of Corporal. On the 11th of November 1918 the 7th Battalion were deployed to Fort Leveau at Feignies north of Maubeuge, France. It was whilst here that Gilbert was killed in action on the 30th of November 1918. His body was never identified/recovered. He was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. In addition to the Porlock War Memorial, his name is also recorded on the Cambrai Memorial at Louverval, Departement du Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France.
He was born in Pitminster, Somerset, in 1897 and was the son of Edward Mark Coles (1845-1900) and Arabella Coles nee Warren (1864-1901). Gilbert's father was a Police Constable. By 1911, with his parents both deceased, Gilbert had moved to Porlock and was living at the home of Frank Arnold (1877-1919) and Eliza Maria Arnold nee Coles (1872-1948) at Sparkhayes, Porlock. He was shown on the 1911 census as being the 'Step Brother in Law' to Frank Arnold, whilst in his military records Eliza Maria Arnold is recorded as his sister and guardian (She was a school mistress in Porlock), whilst Gilbert was employed as a Junior Clerk at Porlock Tannery. Now private residences and workshops, the Tannery is a series of buildings which once served the village as a tanning industry employing up to 30 men. Local hides were treated with bark from nearby scrub oak trees, producing leather for saddlery, harnesses and shoes. After several hundred years the Tannery business finally folded in the 1930s.
Records also show that it wasn't until age 14 that he was Baptised. This took place at the Church of St. Dubricius, Polock, on the 10th of December 1911.
When war came Gilbert enlisted into Prince Albert's Somerset Light Infantry, 7th Battalion. Regimental Number: 22422, and rose to the rank of Corporal. On the 11th of November 1918 the 7th Battalion were deployed to Fort Leveau at Feignies north of Maubeuge, France. It was whilst here that Gilbert was killed in action on the 30th of November 1918. His body was never identified/recovered. He was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. In addition to the Porlock War Memorial, his name is also recorded on the Cambrai Memorial at Louverval, Departement du Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France.
Jack Thompson Comer (1915-1943)
He was the Son of Frederick George Comer (1878-1941) and Florence Comer nee Gear (1879-1957), and his siblings were: Leonard Comer (1913–1991), Kenneth George Comer (1915–1982), Paula Isobel Comer (1921–2002), Gareth John Stephen Comer (1926-2006), and Raymond H. Comer (1928-?). Jack's father had been Gunner in the Royal Field Artillery during WW1 (Service Number 112728), and in later life he became a market gardener. In the 1939 census Jack is shown living with his parents and siblings at 14 Council Houses, Williton, and working for himself as a private and market gardener. He married Lillian Eastwood (1916-2002), of High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire in 1941.
During WW2 Jack joined the Army and served as Gunner Jack Thompson Comer, Service Number: 1089038. He was posted with the 70th Field Artillery in March 1943, as they gave support to Allied troops in North Africa moving east from Algeria towards Tunis. He was killed on 8th of March 1943, aged 28 years, and is buried at Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery, Tabarka, Jendouba, Tunisia. PLOT 4. C. 5. The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: HAPPY, SMILING, CONTENT, LOVED AND RESPECTED WHEREVER HE WENT. SWEET MEMORIES REMAIN.
He was the Son of Frederick George Comer (1878-1941) and Florence Comer nee Gear (1879-1957), and his siblings were: Leonard Comer (1913–1991), Kenneth George Comer (1915–1982), Paula Isobel Comer (1921–2002), Gareth John Stephen Comer (1926-2006), and Raymond H. Comer (1928-?). Jack's father had been Gunner in the Royal Field Artillery during WW1 (Service Number 112728), and in later life he became a market gardener. In the 1939 census Jack is shown living with his parents and siblings at 14 Council Houses, Williton, and working for himself as a private and market gardener. He married Lillian Eastwood (1916-2002), of High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire in 1941.
During WW2 Jack joined the Army and served as Gunner Jack Thompson Comer, Service Number: 1089038. He was posted with the 70th Field Artillery in March 1943, as they gave support to Allied troops in North Africa moving east from Algeria towards Tunis. He was killed on 8th of March 1943, aged 28 years, and is buried at Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery, Tabarka, Jendouba, Tunisia. PLOT 4. C. 5. The personal inscription on his gravestone reads: HAPPY, SMILING, CONTENT, LOVED AND RESPECTED WHEREVER HE WENT. SWEET MEMORIES REMAIN.
John Davis (1911-1945)
Private 14772264 John Davis was the son of Llewellyn Davis (1868-1933) and Ethel Octavia Davis nee Hooper (1871-1927). He'd been born in Porlock in 1911, and was baptised at the Church of St. Dubricius, Porlock, on the 27th of June 1911. He was one of 14 children and his siblings were: Lawrence Llewellen Davis (1893–1949),Clifford Percival D Davis (1895–1968), Harold William Davis (1896–?), Gerald Wilfred Davis (1898–1960), Cecil Hector Davis (1899–1970), Albert Edward Davis (1901–1974), Olive Bellet Hooper Davis (1903–1952), Ethel Hooper Davis (1905–?), Mabel Elsie Davis (1905–?), Hilda Blanche Davis (1907–1986), Emily Burnett Davis (1908–1953), Bertha Rose Davis (1909–1976), and Ernest Basil Davis (1912–1980). John's father was a Hairdresser and the family lived at Lorna Doone House, Doverhay, Porlock.
In June 1945, John was serving with the 2nd Battalion, The Welch Regiment, in bitter jungle fighting against Japanese troops in Burma. The 2nd Battalion had been retained in India but in October 1944 the battalion moved to Burma as part of the 62nd Indian Infantry Brigade attached to the 19th Indian Infantry Division where it joined the British Fourteenth Army. The Battalion saw its bitterest fighting along the Taungoo-Mawchi Road where for a hundred miles, with deep jungle on either side, the Japanese defended vigorously all the way. In November 1944 the battalion crossed the Chindwin River at Sittang, captured Pinlebu and saw some very hard fighting on the Swebo Plain. John was killed, aged 35, on 15th June 1945, the day British forces in Rangoon celebrated the defeat of Japanese forces in Burma.
Private 14772264 John Davis was the son of Llewellyn Davis (1868-1933) and Ethel Octavia Davis nee Hooper (1871-1927). He'd been born in Porlock in 1911, and was baptised at the Church of St. Dubricius, Porlock, on the 27th of June 1911. He was one of 14 children and his siblings were: Lawrence Llewellen Davis (1893–1949),Clifford Percival D Davis (1895–1968), Harold William Davis (1896–?), Gerald Wilfred Davis (1898–1960), Cecil Hector Davis (1899–1970), Albert Edward Davis (1901–1974), Olive Bellet Hooper Davis (1903–1952), Ethel Hooper Davis (1905–?), Mabel Elsie Davis (1905–?), Hilda Blanche Davis (1907–1986), Emily Burnett Davis (1908–1953), Bertha Rose Davis (1909–1976), and Ernest Basil Davis (1912–1980). John's father was a Hairdresser and the family lived at Lorna Doone House, Doverhay, Porlock.
In June 1945, John was serving with the 2nd Battalion, The Welch Regiment, in bitter jungle fighting against Japanese troops in Burma. The 2nd Battalion had been retained in India but in October 1944 the battalion moved to Burma as part of the 62nd Indian Infantry Brigade attached to the 19th Indian Infantry Division where it joined the British Fourteenth Army. The Battalion saw its bitterest fighting along the Taungoo-Mawchi Road where for a hundred miles, with deep jungle on either side, the Japanese defended vigorously all the way. In November 1944 the battalion crossed the Chindwin River at Sittang, captured Pinlebu and saw some very hard fighting on the Swebo Plain. John was killed, aged 35, on 15th June 1945, the day British forces in Rangoon celebrated the defeat of Japanese forces in Burma.
William Arthur Ivor "Ivor" Glanville (1921-1942)
He was born in Porlock in 1921 and was the son of Arthur Frank Glanville (1897-1973) and Emma Glanville nee Salter (1894-1928). His father was remarried in 1930 to Winifred Mary Glanville nee Ward (1904-1985), and from the age of 9 William was brought-up by his stepmother. The family resided at 11 Council Houses, Porlock, and William's father was the local Postman.
When WW2 came William (known as Ivor) joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and served as 916282 Sergeant William Arthur Ivor Glanville. He was a wireless operator and gunner with 10 Squadron, RAF Volunteer Reserve, based at Leeming, Yorkshire. On the 26th of February 1942 he flew in a Halifax MkII bomber on a mass raid of Germany's floating dock at Kiel. His aircraft (Registration V9986) took-off from RAF Leeming at 18.23hrs but was not heard of again. The raid was a success but his Halifax, and two other aircraft, were lost without trace. He was aged just 20 years. The other members of the aircrew were: Flt Sgt John Alexander RCAF, Flt Sgt Ernest Victor Hallam Wieland, Sgt John Harold Jeffries, Sgt John Joseph Westland, Sgt Edward Hopkin Simmons, and Sgt Clifford Francis Darwin.
In addition to the Porlock War Memorial his name is also recorded on the Royal Air Forces Memorial (panel 84) at Runnymede, Englefield Green, Runnymede Borough, Surrey, overlooking the Thames on Cooper's Hill four miles from Windsor. It commemorates the names of over 20,000 airmen who were lost in the Second World War during operations from bases in the United Kingdom and North and Western Europe and who have no known graves.
He was born in Porlock in 1921 and was the son of Arthur Frank Glanville (1897-1973) and Emma Glanville nee Salter (1894-1928). His father was remarried in 1930 to Winifred Mary Glanville nee Ward (1904-1985), and from the age of 9 William was brought-up by his stepmother. The family resided at 11 Council Houses, Porlock, and William's father was the local Postman.
When WW2 came William (known as Ivor) joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and served as 916282 Sergeant William Arthur Ivor Glanville. He was a wireless operator and gunner with 10 Squadron, RAF Volunteer Reserve, based at Leeming, Yorkshire. On the 26th of February 1942 he flew in a Halifax MkII bomber on a mass raid of Germany's floating dock at Kiel. His aircraft (Registration V9986) took-off from RAF Leeming at 18.23hrs but was not heard of again. The raid was a success but his Halifax, and two other aircraft, were lost without trace. He was aged just 20 years. The other members of the aircrew were: Flt Sgt John Alexander RCAF, Flt Sgt Ernest Victor Hallam Wieland, Sgt John Harold Jeffries, Sgt John Joseph Westland, Sgt Edward Hopkin Simmons, and Sgt Clifford Francis Darwin.
In addition to the Porlock War Memorial his name is also recorded on the Royal Air Forces Memorial (panel 84) at Runnymede, Englefield Green, Runnymede Borough, Surrey, overlooking the Thames on Cooper's Hill four miles from Windsor. It commemorates the names of over 20,000 airmen who were lost in the Second World War during operations from bases in the United Kingdom and North and Western Europe and who have no known graves.
George Gould (1923-1944)
He was born at Minehead on the 8th of September 1923 and was the son of Ellen Gould of Weirfield, Furzeland Rd, Porlock. When not staying with his mother in Porlock he resided at Quaytown, Minehead, and worked on local fishing boats.
When WW2 came, he joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker and served on HMS Kite, defending convoys of merchant ships in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. In the early Summer of 1944, he was even mentioned in Despatches for his part in the famous 'six in one' naval operation that sank six U-boats. On the 15th of August 1944 HMS Kite was deployed as an escort for a Russian Convoy (JW 59) sailing from Loch Ewe in Scotland to Murmansk in Russia, together with HMS Keppel, HMS Peacock, HMS Mermaid, and HMS Vindex. At 20.45 hours on the 20th of August 1944, whilst in the Barents Sea, HMS Keppel got a contact on her starboard quarter from a German U-Boat. Together with HMS Kite and a Swordfish aircraft from HMS Vindex the U-boat was attacked with hedgehogs (also known as Anti-Submarine Projectors and were forward-throwing anti-submarine weapons) and depth charges. They hunted the U-boat throughout the night with their foxers (Anti Gnat devices) streamed, but the hunt was fruitless. At 06.04 hours on 21st of August, HMS Kite had slowed down to 6 knots to clear her Foxers, which had become twisted around one another. (Foxers were an acoustic decoy used to confuse German homing torpedoes and consisted of one or two noise-making devices towed several hundred metres astern of the ship). At this vulnerable moment, U-344 fired a spread of three torpedoes. The ship was struck by two torpedoes on the starboard side and heeled over to that side immediately. The stern broke off, floated for a few seconds, then sank. The bow remained afloat for a minute and then sank at a steep angle. At 07.30 hours, HMS Keppel stopped to pick up survivors, but only 14 of the about 60 survivors in the water could be rescued from the ice-cold water, five of them died from exposure whilst on board HMS Keppel and were later buried at sea. George Gould was among the 217 men killed when his ship sank. He was aged 20 years.
In addition to the Porlock War Memorial, George is also remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial on Plymouth Hoe, Devon, and also on the small war memorial at Minehead Harbour.
He was born at Minehead on the 8th of September 1923 and was the son of Ellen Gould of Weirfield, Furzeland Rd, Porlock. When not staying with his mother in Porlock he resided at Quaytown, Minehead, and worked on local fishing boats.
When WW2 came, he joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker and served on HMS Kite, defending convoys of merchant ships in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. In the early Summer of 1944, he was even mentioned in Despatches for his part in the famous 'six in one' naval operation that sank six U-boats. On the 15th of August 1944 HMS Kite was deployed as an escort for a Russian Convoy (JW 59) sailing from Loch Ewe in Scotland to Murmansk in Russia, together with HMS Keppel, HMS Peacock, HMS Mermaid, and HMS Vindex. At 20.45 hours on the 20th of August 1944, whilst in the Barents Sea, HMS Keppel got a contact on her starboard quarter from a German U-Boat. Together with HMS Kite and a Swordfish aircraft from HMS Vindex the U-boat was attacked with hedgehogs (also known as Anti-Submarine Projectors and were forward-throwing anti-submarine weapons) and depth charges. They hunted the U-boat throughout the night with their foxers (Anti Gnat devices) streamed, but the hunt was fruitless. At 06.04 hours on 21st of August, HMS Kite had slowed down to 6 knots to clear her Foxers, which had become twisted around one another. (Foxers were an acoustic decoy used to confuse German homing torpedoes and consisted of one or two noise-making devices towed several hundred metres astern of the ship). At this vulnerable moment, U-344 fired a spread of three torpedoes. The ship was struck by two torpedoes on the starboard side and heeled over to that side immediately. The stern broke off, floated for a few seconds, then sank. The bow remained afloat for a minute and then sank at a steep angle. At 07.30 hours, HMS Keppel stopped to pick up survivors, but only 14 of the about 60 survivors in the water could be rescued from the ice-cold water, five of them died from exposure whilst on board HMS Keppel and were later buried at sea. George Gould was among the 217 men killed when his ship sank. He was aged 20 years.
In addition to the Porlock War Memorial, George is also remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial on Plymouth Hoe, Devon, and also on the small war memorial at Minehead Harbour.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
Fred H. Hobbs (1889-1918)
Service number TA/038941. Driver in the 209th Horse Transport Company of the Royal Army Service Corps. He died aged 30 years on the 31st of December 1918, and is buried at Mikra British Cemetery, Kalamaria, Regional unit of Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece. PLOT Grave 1112.
Fred H. Hobbs (1889-1918)
Service number TA/038941. Driver in the 209th Horse Transport Company of the Royal Army Service Corps. He died aged 30 years on the 31st of December 1918, and is buried at Mikra British Cemetery, Kalamaria, Regional unit of Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece. PLOT Grave 1112.
Herbert Andrew Hobbs (1894-1915)
He was born in Luccombe near Porlock in 1894 and was the son of Charles Hobbs (1867–1944) and Jane Hobbs nee Cole (1862–1940). His father was the village Carrier. Carriers provided a regular service delivering goods and occasionally people between towns and villages by horse and cart. They would have a regular route once or more frequently a week usually using a shop or public house in each place as their collection and delivery point or at least as their contact point. By 1915 his parents had moved to Hawkcombe, Porlock. Herbert had four siblings: Percy Charles Hobbs (1891–1968), Laura Hobbs (1892–1964), Mabel Hobbs (1895–1978), and Dorothy Annie Hobbs (1901–?). He was baptised, together with his sisters: Laura and Mable, by the Reverend Walter Hook at the Church of St. Dubricius, Porlock, on the 28th of June 1896.
When war came Herbert enlisted at Taunton into the 8th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry as Private 16041. His Battalion were sent to France on the 10th of September 1915 and were landed at Le Harve. He was killed in action, aged 20 years, on the 25th of September 1915 at Chalk Pit Wood, Loos, during the Battle of Loos, and his body was never recovered. In addition to the Polock War Memorial his name is also recorded 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.
He was born in Luccombe near Porlock in 1894 and was the son of Charles Hobbs (1867–1944) and Jane Hobbs nee Cole (1862–1940). His father was the village Carrier. Carriers provided a regular service delivering goods and occasionally people between towns and villages by horse and cart. They would have a regular route once or more frequently a week usually using a shop or public house in each place as their collection and delivery point or at least as their contact point. By 1915 his parents had moved to Hawkcombe, Porlock. Herbert had four siblings: Percy Charles Hobbs (1891–1968), Laura Hobbs (1892–1964), Mabel Hobbs (1895–1978), and Dorothy Annie Hobbs (1901–?). He was baptised, together with his sisters: Laura and Mable, by the Reverend Walter Hook at the Church of St. Dubricius, Porlock, on the 28th of June 1896.
When war came Herbert enlisted at Taunton into the 8th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry as Private 16041. His Battalion were sent to France on the 10th of September 1915 and were landed at Le Harve. He was killed in action, aged 20 years, on the 25th of September 1915 at Chalk Pit Wood, Loos, during the Battle of Loos, and his body was never recovered. In addition to the Polock War Memorial his name is also recorded 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.
Henry Hollingdrake 1905-1942
He was born at Stockport, Cheshire, on the 21st of June 1905, and was the son of Sir Henry Hollingdrake (1872-1923) and Dame Esther Emily Smith Lewis (1872-1953). His father was an Iron Foundry owner and Motor Engineer. He had two siblings: Norman Ronald Hollingdrake (1897-1972), and Margaret Ethel Hollingdrake (1900-1983). In 1927 Henry's profession was as Motor Engineer for the Hollingdrake Auto Company Ltd. at Stockport, Cheshire. Hollingdrake's had started as a Foundry, and also imported La Buire cars from France early in its history. They exhibited La Buire cars at the Olympia motor show in 1909, but as demand for cars increased, they expanded that side of the business by building, selling and servicing cars. They were appointed distributors for Standard cars for Lancashire and Cheshire in 1911, and in 1932 they got the appointment for North Wales.
In his private life Henry had always been interested in aircraft and flying. He passed his Pilot's Licence on the 4th of September 1927 at Lancashire Aero Club, Woodford, Lancashire in an Avro Avian 30/70hp Cirrus Mk2. In June 1929 he travelled to Cape Town, South Africa, where he married Sybil Gladys Nicholson (1908-1967) and they made their home back in England at St Albans, Hertfordshire. They had 3 children: Virginia Sybil Hollingdrake (1931-2012), Rosemary Ann Turberville Hollingdrake (1933-2020), and Henry Hollingdrake (1938-2012).
During WW2 the RAF were extremely short of qualified pilots, and Henry joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve as 77472 Flight-Lieutenant Henry Hollingdrake. In 1942 he was sent to No.10 EFTS, (Elementary Flying Training School) at RAF Stoke Orchard, nr Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, to train on de Havilland Tiger Moths. Being an officer had its advantages, and rather than staying at the on-site barracks, he was billeted at the Swan Hotel, Tewkesbury.
Tragedy came on the 29th of May 1942 when the aircraft he was flying undershot and collided with Tiger Moth T7045 when landing during a training flight, killing him instantly. He was 36 years old. He was buried at Grave 1, Row 16, at St James the Great Churchyard, in Stoke Orchard Village, Gloucestershire.
His sister Margaret was married to Lieutenant-Commander Godfrey Arkwright, the twin brother of Lieutenant-Commander John Joseph Arkwright - whose name also appears on Porlock's War Memorial.
He was born at Stockport, Cheshire, on the 21st of June 1905, and was the son of Sir Henry Hollingdrake (1872-1923) and Dame Esther Emily Smith Lewis (1872-1953). His father was an Iron Foundry owner and Motor Engineer. He had two siblings: Norman Ronald Hollingdrake (1897-1972), and Margaret Ethel Hollingdrake (1900-1983). In 1927 Henry's profession was as Motor Engineer for the Hollingdrake Auto Company Ltd. at Stockport, Cheshire. Hollingdrake's had started as a Foundry, and also imported La Buire cars from France early in its history. They exhibited La Buire cars at the Olympia motor show in 1909, but as demand for cars increased, they expanded that side of the business by building, selling and servicing cars. They were appointed distributors for Standard cars for Lancashire and Cheshire in 1911, and in 1932 they got the appointment for North Wales.
In his private life Henry had always been interested in aircraft and flying. He passed his Pilot's Licence on the 4th of September 1927 at Lancashire Aero Club, Woodford, Lancashire in an Avro Avian 30/70hp Cirrus Mk2. In June 1929 he travelled to Cape Town, South Africa, where he married Sybil Gladys Nicholson (1908-1967) and they made their home back in England at St Albans, Hertfordshire. They had 3 children: Virginia Sybil Hollingdrake (1931-2012), Rosemary Ann Turberville Hollingdrake (1933-2020), and Henry Hollingdrake (1938-2012).
During WW2 the RAF were extremely short of qualified pilots, and Henry joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve as 77472 Flight-Lieutenant Henry Hollingdrake. In 1942 he was sent to No.10 EFTS, (Elementary Flying Training School) at RAF Stoke Orchard, nr Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, to train on de Havilland Tiger Moths. Being an officer had its advantages, and rather than staying at the on-site barracks, he was billeted at the Swan Hotel, Tewkesbury.
Tragedy came on the 29th of May 1942 when the aircraft he was flying undershot and collided with Tiger Moth T7045 when landing during a training flight, killing him instantly. He was 36 years old. He was buried at Grave 1, Row 16, at St James the Great Churchyard, in Stoke Orchard Village, Gloucestershire.
His sister Margaret was married to Lieutenant-Commander Godfrey Arkwright, the twin brother of Lieutenant-Commander John Joseph Arkwright - whose name also appears on Porlock's War Memorial.
Albert John Huish (1886-1916)
He was the son of Arthur John Huish (1859–1946) and Louisa Huish nee Griffiths (1860–1925) of White Hall, Hawkcombe, Porlock. His father was a carpenter. Albert had three siblings: Ellen Huish (1889-1964), Emily Louisa Huish (1900-1974), and Frederick Charles Huish (1905-1988).
In 1911 he was working as a General Labourer, but when war came he joined the Somerset Light Infantry as Private 11369, then was transferred into the 1st Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, as Private 20486. The 1st Battalion deployed directly from Britain to the Western Front on the 15th August 1914 and landed in Le Havre. They were involved in numerous battles along the Western Front. In 1916 they were involved in the Battle of the Somme in northern France-- perhaps more correctly referred to as the Somme Offensive, since it was a series of many battles and actions spanning four-and-a-half months. In the Summer of 1916 the Battalion were deployed to the Battle for High Woods. Here, the British and Germans fought over a patch of woods measuring slightly more than one-tenth of a square mile. The battle for High Wood's 75 acres started on July the 14th 1916 and raged nearly continuously for 64 days. It opened with a disastrous British cavalry charge and ended after the abortive first use of tanks. During those two months, the Germans furiously repelled or counterattacked every British assault. It came to be known as "The hell of High Wood" and "The rottenest place on the Western Front." In the end, the British finally managed to overwhelm the Germans on September the 15th 1916, though the commanding British General at that time was relieved of command for "wanton waste of men." Albert was Killed in Action on the 23rd of July 1916 during the attacks on High Wood near Bazentin le Petit in the Somme département of Northern France. His body was never recovered, and in 1919 he was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
In addition to the Porlock war memorial he is also commemorated on the Thiepval memorial, Thiepval, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France. (Pier and Face 6 B).
He was the son of Arthur John Huish (1859–1946) and Louisa Huish nee Griffiths (1860–1925) of White Hall, Hawkcombe, Porlock. His father was a carpenter. Albert had three siblings: Ellen Huish (1889-1964), Emily Louisa Huish (1900-1974), and Frederick Charles Huish (1905-1988).
In 1911 he was working as a General Labourer, but when war came he joined the Somerset Light Infantry as Private 11369, then was transferred into the 1st Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, as Private 20486. The 1st Battalion deployed directly from Britain to the Western Front on the 15th August 1914 and landed in Le Havre. They were involved in numerous battles along the Western Front. In 1916 they were involved in the Battle of the Somme in northern France-- perhaps more correctly referred to as the Somme Offensive, since it was a series of many battles and actions spanning four-and-a-half months. In the Summer of 1916 the Battalion were deployed to the Battle for High Woods. Here, the British and Germans fought over a patch of woods measuring slightly more than one-tenth of a square mile. The battle for High Wood's 75 acres started on July the 14th 1916 and raged nearly continuously for 64 days. It opened with a disastrous British cavalry charge and ended after the abortive first use of tanks. During those two months, the Germans furiously repelled or counterattacked every British assault. It came to be known as "The hell of High Wood" and "The rottenest place on the Western Front." In the end, the British finally managed to overwhelm the Germans on September the 15th 1916, though the commanding British General at that time was relieved of command for "wanton waste of men." Albert was Killed in Action on the 23rd of July 1916 during the attacks on High Wood near Bazentin le Petit in the Somme département of Northern France. His body was never recovered, and in 1919 he was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
In addition to the Porlock war memorial he is also commemorated on the Thiepval memorial, Thiepval, Departement de la Somme, Picardie, France. (Pier and Face 6 B).
Charles George Huish (1898-1918)
He was born in Porlock in 1898 and was the son of George Huish (1862-1927) and Eliza Huish nee Sparks (1862-1939) of Parson Street, Porlock. His father was a Carpenter. He was baptised as Charles George Huish at the Church of St. Dubricius in Porlock on the 8th of January 1899, but in some records, he is shown as George Charles Huish. His siblings were: Mary Huish (1889-1936), Edward Huish (1890-1962), Sidney Huish (1892-1965). After leaving school he worked with his father and other members of his extended family in the carpentry trade.
When war came, he enlisted into the Army at Taunton and served as Private 31577 of the 9th (Service) Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. He was Killed in Action near Picardie, France, on the 4th of October 1918, aged 20 years, and was buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gouy, Aisne, France (Plot I. Row E. Grave 7).
He was born in Porlock in 1898 and was the son of George Huish (1862-1927) and Eliza Huish nee Sparks (1862-1939) of Parson Street, Porlock. His father was a Carpenter. He was baptised as Charles George Huish at the Church of St. Dubricius in Porlock on the 8th of January 1899, but in some records, he is shown as George Charles Huish. His siblings were: Mary Huish (1889-1936), Edward Huish (1890-1962), Sidney Huish (1892-1965). After leaving school he worked with his father and other members of his extended family in the carpentry trade.
When war came, he enlisted into the Army at Taunton and served as Private 31577 of the 9th (Service) Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. He was Killed in Action near Picardie, France, on the 4th of October 1918, aged 20 years, and was buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gouy, Aisne, France (Plot I. Row E. Grave 7).
CURRENTLY UNDER RESEARCH
William Frederick John (1879-1917)
Born at Porthcawl, Wales on the 16 Aug 1879 Son of William G. John (1850-?) and Elizabeth Maria John (1855-?). His father was a Coast Guard.
Baptised Newton Nottage, Porthcawl on the 5th of October 1879
Siblings: Alexander R. John (1882-?), and Frances E. John (1887-?)
Resident of Hawkcombe, Porlock
Joined the Royal Navy on the 17 Apr 1895 (Service Number 183628) and served firstly on HMS Impregnable. In 1911 he served on Sirius and left the Royal Navy on13 Oct 1911. He was recalled at the beginning of WW1 and served as Chief Yeoman of Signals aboard HMS Lion.
William Frederick John (1879-1917)
Born at Porthcawl, Wales on the 16 Aug 1879 Son of William G. John (1850-?) and Elizabeth Maria John (1855-?). His father was a Coast Guard.
Baptised Newton Nottage, Porthcawl on the 5th of October 1879
Siblings: Alexander R. John (1882-?), and Frances E. John (1887-?)
Resident of Hawkcombe, Porlock
Joined the Royal Navy on the 17 Apr 1895 (Service Number 183628) and served firstly on HMS Impregnable. In 1911 he served on Sirius and left the Royal Navy on13 Oct 1911. He was recalled at the beginning of WW1 and served as Chief Yeoman of Signals aboard HMS Lion.
Wilfred Henry Moore (1894–1915)
He was born in Porlock in July 1894 and baptised at the Church of St. Dubricius, in Porlock on the 2nd of August 1894. He was the son of John Moore (1854-1923) and Mary Moore nee Hawkins (1855-1910) of Hawkcombe, Porlock. His father was a Thatcher. Wilfred had seven siblings: Eliza Ann Moore (1877-1960), Mary Moore (1879-1963), Justina Moore (1881-1960), Richard Henry Moore (1884-1964), Worthington John Moore (1887-1950), Stanley Moore (1888-1948), and Florence Mable Moore (1892-1943). He initially followed his father into the Thatching Trade, and in 1911 was working as an Assistant Thatcher for his father. He later moved to Clydach near Swansea to work in the Gweithle Nicel Mond Nickelworks.
When war came he enlisted at Clydach, Glamorganshire as Private 1724, in the 1/6th (Glamorgan) Battalion of the Welsh Regiment. A short piece of film exists showing the1/6th (Glamorgan) Battalion of The Welsh Regiment, complete with their marching band, departing from their Swansea HQ in Richardson Street and turning into St Helen's Rd in October 1914 (SEE: The 6th Welsh Leaving Swansea, October 1914 - YouTube ). They landed at Le Havre on 29 October 1914 and eventually went into the line with 28th Division and moved to work on Lines of Communication. Wilfred was Killed in Action on the 5th of August 1915, aged 21 years. He is buried at Lindenhoek Chalet Military Cemetery, West Vlaanderen, Belgium (Plot: I, Row F, Grave 14). In addition to the Porlock War Memorial, his name is also recorded on the Gweithle Nicel Mond Nickelworks War Memorial (where Wilfred worked before joining the Army). The memorial is now located at Clydach Refinery, Glais Road, Clydach, Swansea.
He was born in Porlock in July 1894 and baptised at the Church of St. Dubricius, in Porlock on the 2nd of August 1894. He was the son of John Moore (1854-1923) and Mary Moore nee Hawkins (1855-1910) of Hawkcombe, Porlock. His father was a Thatcher. Wilfred had seven siblings: Eliza Ann Moore (1877-1960), Mary Moore (1879-1963), Justina Moore (1881-1960), Richard Henry Moore (1884-1964), Worthington John Moore (1887-1950), Stanley Moore (1888-1948), and Florence Mable Moore (1892-1943). He initially followed his father into the Thatching Trade, and in 1911 was working as an Assistant Thatcher for his father. He later moved to Clydach near Swansea to work in the Gweithle Nicel Mond Nickelworks.
When war came he enlisted at Clydach, Glamorganshire as Private 1724, in the 1/6th (Glamorgan) Battalion of the Welsh Regiment. A short piece of film exists showing the1/6th (Glamorgan) Battalion of The Welsh Regiment, complete with their marching band, departing from their Swansea HQ in Richardson Street and turning into St Helen's Rd in October 1914 (SEE: The 6th Welsh Leaving Swansea, October 1914 - YouTube ). They landed at Le Havre on 29 October 1914 and eventually went into the line with 28th Division and moved to work on Lines of Communication. Wilfred was Killed in Action on the 5th of August 1915, aged 21 years. He is buried at Lindenhoek Chalet Military Cemetery, West Vlaanderen, Belgium (Plot: I, Row F, Grave 14). In addition to the Porlock War Memorial, his name is also recorded on the Gweithle Nicel Mond Nickelworks War Memorial (where Wilfred worked before joining the Army). The memorial is now located at Clydach Refinery, Glais Road, Clydach, Swansea.
Owen George Passmore (1916-1945)
He was born in Minehead on the 31st Of March 1916 and was the son of George Passmore (1878-1940) and Annie Passmore nee Turner (1877-1965). He had one sibling, his brother: Frederick Passmore (1909-1979). Owen's father was a General Labourer/Heavy Worker, and the family resided at 7 Dugdale Street, Minehead. In 1939 Owen was employed as a Fish Shop Attendant. In 1940 he married Gwendoline Mary Bryant, the daughter of Harry Bryant (1881-1919) and Elizabeth Mary Bryant nee Dean (1891-1975), and whilst Owen was away in the Army, Gwendoline lived with her widowed mother at East Cottage, Doverhay, Porlock.
In 1941 he enlisted in the Army and served as S.206615 Private Owen George Passmore of the Royal Army Service Corps and was involved in delivering essential supplies to the frontline. His unit crossed to France after D-Day in 1944 but early the next year he was taken ill with diphtheria. He was brought back to England but died at the Royal Hospital in Wolverhampton on the 14th of March 1945, aged 28. Less than a year before, his wife's brother, Gordon Henry Bryant, had been killed whilst serving with the 15th/19th Kings' Royal Hussars - and who is also commemorated upon the Porlock War Memorial.
He is buried in Porlock Cemetery (Plot 482). personal inscription on his gravestone reads: NOT GONE FROM MEMORY NOR FROM LOVE BUT GONE TO HIS FATHER'S HOME ABOVE.
His widow was remarried in 1948 to Sidney J. H. Bass. She died on the 2nd of September 1990 and is buried in Porlock Cemetery.
He was born in Minehead on the 31st Of March 1916 and was the son of George Passmore (1878-1940) and Annie Passmore nee Turner (1877-1965). He had one sibling, his brother: Frederick Passmore (1909-1979). Owen's father was a General Labourer/Heavy Worker, and the family resided at 7 Dugdale Street, Minehead. In 1939 Owen was employed as a Fish Shop Attendant. In 1940 he married Gwendoline Mary Bryant, the daughter of Harry Bryant (1881-1919) and Elizabeth Mary Bryant nee Dean (1891-1975), and whilst Owen was away in the Army, Gwendoline lived with her widowed mother at East Cottage, Doverhay, Porlock.
In 1941 he enlisted in the Army and served as S.206615 Private Owen George Passmore of the Royal Army Service Corps and was involved in delivering essential supplies to the frontline. His unit crossed to France after D-Day in 1944 but early the next year he was taken ill with diphtheria. He was brought back to England but died at the Royal Hospital in Wolverhampton on the 14th of March 1945, aged 28. Less than a year before, his wife's brother, Gordon Henry Bryant, had been killed whilst serving with the 15th/19th Kings' Royal Hussars - and who is also commemorated upon the Porlock War Memorial.
He is buried in Porlock Cemetery (Plot 482). personal inscription on his gravestone reads: NOT GONE FROM MEMORY NOR FROM LOVE BUT GONE TO HIS FATHER'S HOME ABOVE.
His widow was remarried in 1948 to Sidney J. H. Bass. She died on the 2nd of September 1990 and is buried in Porlock Cemetery.
Ivor Royston 'Roy' Pollard (1920-1944)
He was the youngest son of Henry John Pollard (1882-1970) and Ethel Pollard nee Pugsley (1881-1973) of Beach Cottage, Porlock Weir. His father was a Hotel Omnibus Driver and served as a Sergeant in the Porlock Weir Home Guard during WW2. 'Roy' had three siblings: Hubert Ernest Pollard (1911-1985), Kenneth Henry Pollard (1912-1981), and Fenwick James Pollard (1914-2003). When war came, he joined the 10th Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment and served as 5683113 Lance Corporal Ivor Royston Pollard. He was deployed with his battalion in February 1944 to Northern Burma and fought the Japanese forces in intense jungle warfare. In November 1944 the Gloucester's were pitched into days of fighting for Pinwe, in torrential rain and deep mud. Lance Corporal Pollard died there, aged 24, and is buried at Taukkyan War Cemetery, Burma (since renamed Myanmar). Plot 7, Row H, Grave 19.
He was the youngest son of Henry John Pollard (1882-1970) and Ethel Pollard nee Pugsley (1881-1973) of Beach Cottage, Porlock Weir. His father was a Hotel Omnibus Driver and served as a Sergeant in the Porlock Weir Home Guard during WW2. 'Roy' had three siblings: Hubert Ernest Pollard (1911-1985), Kenneth Henry Pollard (1912-1981), and Fenwick James Pollard (1914-2003). When war came, he joined the 10th Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment and served as 5683113 Lance Corporal Ivor Royston Pollard. He was deployed with his battalion in February 1944 to Northern Burma and fought the Japanese forces in intense jungle warfare. In November 1944 the Gloucester's were pitched into days of fighting for Pinwe, in torrential rain and deep mud. Lance Corporal Pollard died there, aged 24, and is buried at Taukkyan War Cemetery, Burma (since renamed Myanmar). Plot 7, Row H, Grave 19.
Noah Hubert Pollard (1890-1917)
He was born at Porlock Weir on the 9th of April 1890 and was the son of Noah Henry Pollard (1853-1930) and Sarah Pollard nee Larcombe (1853-1941). His father was a Shipwright, and the family lived at Lane Head, Porlock Weir. On the 6th of September 1913 at the Wesleyan chapel, Porlock, he married Hannah Pugsley (1883-1968), the daughter of Thomas Joiner Pugsley (1841-1918) and Ann Pugsley nee Venn (1846-1925) of Porlock Weir. Hannah's father was a Woodsman on the Porlock Manor Estate, and also a Fisherman. Noah and Hannah made their home at 6 Council Houses, Porlock. They had two children: Marjorie Annie Pollard (1913-2007), and Noah Hubert Pollard (1916-1996).
When war came Noah enlisted at Minehead into the 7th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry as Private 26667. The 7th Battalion were deployed to France and disembarked at Boulogne on the 24th of July 1915. Once in France they were attached to the 20th (Light) Division, which spent the duration of the First World War in action on the Western Front. Noah was killed in action on the 9th of April (his 27th birthday) during the preliminary attack at Arras. He is buried at the London Cemetery, Neuville-Vitasse, near Arras, Pas de Calais, France (Plot I, Row A, Grave 23). Personal Inscription :STILL SADLY MOURNED BY HIS LOVING WIFE AND CHILDREN MARJORIE AND NOAH R.I.P.
In 1919 he was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
He was born at Porlock Weir on the 9th of April 1890 and was the son of Noah Henry Pollard (1853-1930) and Sarah Pollard nee Larcombe (1853-1941). His father was a Shipwright, and the family lived at Lane Head, Porlock Weir. On the 6th of September 1913 at the Wesleyan chapel, Porlock, he married Hannah Pugsley (1883-1968), the daughter of Thomas Joiner Pugsley (1841-1918) and Ann Pugsley nee Venn (1846-1925) of Porlock Weir. Hannah's father was a Woodsman on the Porlock Manor Estate, and also a Fisherman. Noah and Hannah made their home at 6 Council Houses, Porlock. They had two children: Marjorie Annie Pollard (1913-2007), and Noah Hubert Pollard (1916-1996).
When war came Noah enlisted at Minehead into the 7th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry as Private 26667. The 7th Battalion were deployed to France and disembarked at Boulogne on the 24th of July 1915. Once in France they were attached to the 20th (Light) Division, which spent the duration of the First World War in action on the Western Front. Noah was killed in action on the 9th of April (his 27th birthday) during the preliminary attack at Arras. He is buried at the London Cemetery, Neuville-Vitasse, near Arras, Pas de Calais, France (Plot I, Row A, Grave 23). Personal Inscription :STILL SADLY MOURNED BY HIS LOVING WIFE AND CHILDREN MARJORIE AND NOAH R.I.P.
In 1919 he was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
Lionel John Priscott (1921-1942)
He was born at Porlock in 1921 and was the son of Henry James Priscott (1890-1966) and Grace Priscott nee Blackmore (1890-1983) of 13 Council Houses, Porlock. He had just one sibling: William Henry Priscott (1914–1992). His father was a Roadman for the Williton Rural District Council.
5672470 Trooper Lionel John Priscott was training in Herefordshire with the 45th Regiment of the Somerset Light Infantry (Prince Albert's) Reconnaissance Corps during the summer of 1942. After a spell of home leave in May 1942, he re-joined his unit but drowned one month later in an unspecified accident during training. He was aged 21 years. He is buried at Grave 483 in Porlock Cemetery, and his gravestone has the personal inscription: 'DEEP IN OUR HEARTS HIS MEMORY IS KEPT WE WHO LOVED HIM WILL NEVER FORGET'.
He was born at Porlock in 1921 and was the son of Henry James Priscott (1890-1966) and Grace Priscott nee Blackmore (1890-1983) of 13 Council Houses, Porlock. He had just one sibling: William Henry Priscott (1914–1992). His father was a Roadman for the Williton Rural District Council.
5672470 Trooper Lionel John Priscott was training in Herefordshire with the 45th Regiment of the Somerset Light Infantry (Prince Albert's) Reconnaissance Corps during the summer of 1942. After a spell of home leave in May 1942, he re-joined his unit but drowned one month later in an unspecified accident during training. He was aged 21 years. He is buried at Grave 483 in Porlock Cemetery, and his gravestone has the personal inscription: 'DEEP IN OUR HEARTS HIS MEMORY IS KEPT WE WHO LOVED HIM WILL NEVER FORGET'.
Ernest Pugsley (1886-1918)
He was born at Porlock Weir in 1886 and was the youngest of 12 children of Thomas Joiner Pugsley (1841-1918) and Ann Pugsley nee Venn (1846–1925) of Porlock Weir. His father was a Woodsman on the Porlock Manor Estate and also as a Fisherman, and the family resided at Lane Head, The Quay, Porlock Weir. Earnest's 11 siblings were: Thomas Pugsley (1867–1942), Robert Pugsley (1869–1919), Elizabeth Ann Pugsley (1872–1968), Mary Jane Pugsley (1873–1949), Sarah Maria Pugsley (1875–1960), William Pugsley (1876–1954), Gem Pugsley (1878–1956), Alice Mary Pugsley (1880–1966), Ethel Pugsley (1881–1973), Hannah Pugsley (1884–1968), and Henry John Pugsley (1884–1969). By 1911 Ernest had trained and was working as a Stonemason. On the 8th of April 1912, at Crowcombe, Somerset, he married Matilda Florence Chilcott (1885–1957). She was the daughter of Clemont Chilcott (1850-1909)- a Labourer of Crowcombe, and Elizabeth Chilcott nee Welch (1855–1892). Ernest and Matilda had three children: Joan Pugsley (1912–2001), Ruth Pugsley (1915–?), and Ernest Robert Pugsley (1918–1918).
When war came, he enlisted at Minehead as Sapper 488587 in the 154th Field Company of the Royal Engineers. He died of wounds on the 27th of August 1918, near to the town of Albert, The Somme, France, and is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery at Wimille, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France (Plot II.E.31).
Ernest's loss was not the only family tragedy during WW1. Ernest's brother-in-law: Simon Richard Welch Chilcott had been killed in action at Gallipoli, Turkey, in 1915 whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion of the South Wales Borderers. Also, Ernest's sister; Hannah had married Noah Hubert Pollard of Porlock Weir, and who was killed in action in 1917 whilst serving with the 7th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry in France.
He was born at Porlock Weir in 1886 and was the youngest of 12 children of Thomas Joiner Pugsley (1841-1918) and Ann Pugsley nee Venn (1846–1925) of Porlock Weir. His father was a Woodsman on the Porlock Manor Estate and also as a Fisherman, and the family resided at Lane Head, The Quay, Porlock Weir. Earnest's 11 siblings were: Thomas Pugsley (1867–1942), Robert Pugsley (1869–1919), Elizabeth Ann Pugsley (1872–1968), Mary Jane Pugsley (1873–1949), Sarah Maria Pugsley (1875–1960), William Pugsley (1876–1954), Gem Pugsley (1878–1956), Alice Mary Pugsley (1880–1966), Ethel Pugsley (1881–1973), Hannah Pugsley (1884–1968), and Henry John Pugsley (1884–1969). By 1911 Ernest had trained and was working as a Stonemason. On the 8th of April 1912, at Crowcombe, Somerset, he married Matilda Florence Chilcott (1885–1957). She was the daughter of Clemont Chilcott (1850-1909)- a Labourer of Crowcombe, and Elizabeth Chilcott nee Welch (1855–1892). Ernest and Matilda had three children: Joan Pugsley (1912–2001), Ruth Pugsley (1915–?), and Ernest Robert Pugsley (1918–1918).
When war came, he enlisted at Minehead as Sapper 488587 in the 154th Field Company of the Royal Engineers. He died of wounds on the 27th of August 1918, near to the town of Albert, The Somme, France, and is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery at Wimille, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France (Plot II.E.31).
Ernest's loss was not the only family tragedy during WW1. Ernest's brother-in-law: Simon Richard Welch Chilcott had been killed in action at Gallipoli, Turkey, in 1915 whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion of the South Wales Borderers. Also, Ernest's sister; Hannah had married Noah Hubert Pollard of Porlock Weir, and who was killed in action in 1917 whilst serving with the 7th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry in France.
William Charles Ricketts (1927-1946)
He was born at Long Ashton, Somerset, and was the son, and only child, of William James Ricketts (1892–1975) and Ora Kathleen Ricketts (1899-1980) of Ashley Combe bungalow, Porlock Weir. His father was a Gardener at Ashley Combe House, and his grandfather, William James Ricketts (1860-1945), had been the Gamekeeper for the Ashley Combe Estate. He served as 2740538 Guardsman William Charles Ricketts of the Welsh Guards. He died at Bridgwater Hospital on the 22nd of May 1946, aged just 19, and was buried in St Bueno's Churchyard at Culbone. The personal inscription on grave reads: DEEP IN OUR HEARTS A MEMORY IS KEPT OF ONE WE LOVE DEARLY AND WILL NEVER FORGET.
He was born at Long Ashton, Somerset, and was the son, and only child, of William James Ricketts (1892–1975) and Ora Kathleen Ricketts (1899-1980) of Ashley Combe bungalow, Porlock Weir. His father was a Gardener at Ashley Combe House, and his grandfather, William James Ricketts (1860-1945), had been the Gamekeeper for the Ashley Combe Estate. He served as 2740538 Guardsman William Charles Ricketts of the Welsh Guards. He died at Bridgwater Hospital on the 22nd of May 1946, aged just 19, and was buried in St Bueno's Churchyard at Culbone. The personal inscription on grave reads: DEEP IN OUR HEARTS A MEMORY IS KEPT OF ONE WE LOVE DEARLY AND WILL NEVER FORGET.
PRIVATE Richard Frederick Sully
Private RICHARD FREDERICK SULLY
London Regiment Date of death: 22/08/1918 Cemetery: BEACON CEMETERY, SAILLY-LAURETTE, France Plot II. J. 4 Private 44475 Hampshire Regiment then Private G/44697 19th Battalion London (Middlesex) Regiment Killed in Action France 22ND AUGUST 1918 Richard Frederick Sully (1899-1918). He was born at Coombe Cross, Stogumber in 1899 and baptised at the Church of St. Mary in Stogumber on the 5th of November 1899. Richard was the son of Thomas Sully (1872-1950) and Bessie Sully nee Burnett (1873-1947). His father was Farm Labourer. Richard was one of ten children, and his Siblings were: Ernest Wilkin Sully (1896-1959), Charles Douglas Sully (1898-1980), Walter John Sully (1904-1972), Edith Annie Sulley (1905-1969), Florence Ellen Sully (1907-2004), Beatrice Bessie Sully (1908-1968), Nellie Sulley (1909-1986), Violet Amy Sully (1911-1976), and Thomas Henry Sully (1912-1984). At age 18 he joined the Army, initially serving as Private 44475 of the Hampshire Regiment, before he was transferred to become Private G/44697 in the 19th (County of London) Battalion of The London Regiment. He was killed in action at the Battle of Albert on the 22nd of August 1918. His Battalion, as part of 141 Brigade, began their advance at 04.45hrs, and gained their objective with little resistance, but in the morning mist and battle smoke the battalions began to consolidate a little short of the intended line; and the follow-up units suffered heavily. However, the attack was successful, and the allied forces captured the town of Albert from the Germans. Richard was buried at Beacon Cemetery, Sailly-Laurette, Somme, France. (Plot II, Row J, Grave 4). In 1919 he was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. |
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German Junkers 88 shot down at Porlock Beach 27th September 1940.
USAAF Liberator Crash at Porlock Marsh 29th October 1942.
UNDER RESEARCH
Ashley Combe and Culbone a Halifax from 295 Squadron, Holmsley South, which crashed into Yearnor Wood in thick mist on 11th June 1943. One very bad crash occurred at Ashley Combe: on the foggy morning of June 11th 1943 a Britsih Halifax 4-engined bomber came in from the sea, crashed into the woods and caught fire. The men working in the woods and at the saw mill in Worthy Combe, ran to help. Three men, H Pollard, T Cook and J Ridler tried to get the airmen out, but there was an explosion and Jack Ridler of Porlock Weir was very severely burned. He had to spend some time in hospital. At that time Ashley Combe House was used as a childrens' nursery by Dr Barnados. The plane had just skimmed past the windows at the back of the house, literally within inches. Had the plane hit the house there would have been an even bigger tragedy. As it was, four of the crew were killed and two injured. A memorial was later put up in the wood. text on the memorial: In memory of Flying Officer A.D.Gardner Flight Sergeant J.M.Hansen Sergeant P.W. Schultz Sergeant W.A.B. Stokes who were killed when their plane crashed here on 11th. June 1943. If I ascend into Heaven Thou art there, if I take my wings early in the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea even there shall Thy hand lead me and Thy right hand hold me up British Halifax bomber, Mark B V: June 11th 1943 Eight months after the crash of the Liberator, another plane based at Holmsley South Airfield, a British Halifax bomber, crashed in thick mist into the woods at Ashley Combe, near Porlock Weir. There were six crew on board, four of whom died. The pilot and the flight engineer survived. But for the heroic efforts of three local woodsmen, it could have been so much worse. The Halifax, part of the 295 Glider Towing Squadron, had taken off from Hampshire bound first for Portreath in North Cornwall. It was taking part in an ambitious operation whereby Halifax bombers towed troop-carrying Horsa gliders more than 3,000 miles to Tunisia in North Africa, in preparation for the Allied invasion of Sicily. The weather was poor and deteriorating for this first leg of the flight. With a low cloud base and in poor visibility, the Halifax crashed into the wooded hillside, narrowly missing Ashley Combe House. At the time, the house was being used by Dr Barnardo’s charity as a nursery for vulnerable children. One eyewitness said that the Halifax skimmed past the windows at the back of the house before crashing into the hillside and catching fire. Three local men were working in the woods, Henry Pollard, Tom Rook, and Jack Ridler. They rushed to the scene to try to drag the airmen from the burning aircraft but the Halifax exploded, badly injuring Jack Ridler. All three men later received commendations for their bravery. A memorial to the four airmen who died was later erected in Ashley Combe woods. |
LTC Charles De Joncourt Luxmoore in porlock cem - For investigation